The World Darts tournament culminates in Friday night’s final. Luke Littler, 17, is the clear favorite to become the champion.
Luke Littler is Alexandra Palace’s favorite player. PDO
– The level of work is unbelievable.
Thus Veijo Viinikka crystallize Luke Littlerthe darts phenomenon who marches towards the final again at the World Championships.
Viinikka, 58, is the executive director of the Finnish Darts Association and an experienced competitor.
– Littler’s technique is good. He has received coaching, and the number of repetitions is terrible, says Viinikka.
– Of course, there must be a certain talent and passion.
Insolence
Luke “The Nuke” Littler’s escort flies the dart precisely on target. Zumawire / MVphotos
Littler will only turn 18 at the end of the month, but his playing years are already behind him. A year ago, the BBC published a video on its website in which a diaper-filled Littler throws three darts at a dart board.
Littler hit his first hundred and twenty at the age of six. Finished nine darts for the first time at the age of thirteen.
– He has played for a long time and got to play tough games. Self-confidence has grown, Viinikka reminds.
– He is cheeky in a certain way. He is not afraid of anyone in a game situation.
How extraordinary is it to rise to the top in darts at Littler’s age?
– It’s rare. Nothing like this has happened in my time, i.e. in 35 years.
The ages of the seven other World Cup quarter-finalists ranged from 26 to 54.
– We talk about an exceptional individual when we talk about Luke Littler, Viinikka emphasizes.
– He has raised the sport’s visibility around the world and media interest in England to a new level.
Jealousy
A year ago, Littler lost the World Cup final, but during the 2024 season, he took the darts world by storm and started to win major championships. He is currently fourth in the PDC, or Professional Darts Corporation, ranking.
During the past year, Littler cleared more than 600,000 pounds from PDC competitions. According to Talksport, his total career earnings have crossed the £1 million mark.
Nathan Aspinalltraining partner and Wednesday night’s quarter-final battle pair, says Metron’s latest in the story from the envy of fellow players.
– He doesn’t have many friends on tour because many are jealous of him. I’m not, Aspinall tells Metro.
– I appreciate what he has done for the sport, himself and his family. He’s a fantastic darts player – and how he’s managed the media at 17 years old.
Published by Metro in February in the story Aspinall described Littler as “an amazing, unique talent”.
– He learned darts at the same time as learning to walk and talk. I only got my hands on a ladder when I was 17, which is the same age as Luke is now, Aspinall compares.
– He is the most natural darts player you will probably ever see.
Littler easily beat Aspinall 5–2 in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Pressure
Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, 35, is one of the sport’s all-time greats. Will the Dutchman challenge Littler in Friday’s World Cup final? Zumawire / MVphotos
The Darts World Championships have been played at London’s Alexandra Palace since mid-December. The final will be played on Friday.
Viinikka has been able to taste the atmosphere of “Ally Pally” as a player once, in 2011. Roland Scholten was better in the opening round 4–2.
– There was a similar frenzy back then. The pressure of the people was felt behind the tin door (before stepping on stage), Viinikka recalls.
– It was a wonderful experience. Many times I’ve tried to get involved again, but now I’m getting so old that I can’t train enough anymore.
World Cup semi-finals on Thursday
21.40 Michael van Gerwen (3)–Chris Dobey (15)
11:30 p.m Luke Littler (4)–Stephen Bunting (8)
PDC ranking in parentheses after the name.