Luke Littler made a big impression in his World Series debut. A little more than two weeks after his sensational entry into the World Cup final, the British teenager made history: as the youngest player to manage a nine-darter in front of TV cameras. After the historic perfect leg – 501 points with nine arrows – in the quarterfinals, Littler won the Bahrain Darts Masters on Friday (19.01.24) two days before his 17th birthday.
In the final, Littler beat former world champion Michael van Gerwen. Until Friday, at just under 18 years old, the Dutchman was also the youngest player to succeed in a nine-darter in front of TV cameras in 2007.
Haven’t thrown an arrow since the World Cup
“Nobody believes me, but I hadn’t thrown an arrow since the World Cup final until yesterday”Littler told ITV4. He was just very happy to have won on his debut. “It’s an incredible week.”
He hasn’t really set any goals for this year either “I didn’t even think I would win this trophy”said Littler. It wasn’t just the victory, it was above all the way in which he won the title at the tournament on the Bahrain International Circuit. Especially in the game against his compatriot Nathan Aspinall, when he only needed nine arrows to get 501 points.
9-Darter – Hug from opponent Aspinall
When Littler had done it, he spread his arms and looked at the roaring audience, laughing. His opponent, who was also defeated in the end, applauded with respect before congratulating Littler with a hug.
The darts prodigy celebrates his 17th birthday this Sunday. The giant talent’s next appearances include Wales and Germany, where the first stops of this year’s Premier League will take place in Cardiff (February 1st) and Berlin (February 8th).