Luke Littler has revealed he has signed with Target Darts after he made the shock decision to split from his former management company.
The 18-year-old has had an incredible rise to glory over recent years, taking the oche by storm.
On Sunday, he added the World Grand Prix to his trophy case after gaining his first world title earlier this year.
In a statement, Target said: “Target Darts is pleased to confirm that it will be taking on the management of Luke Littler, building on the long-standing and successful relationship that has been in place since Luke joined Team Target at the age of 12.
Luke Littler announced his new partnership on social media
| PA“Having supported Luke from his early development through to becoming World Champion and one of the sport’s most exciting and recognisable players, Target is stepping in to guide his career both on and off the oche as he continues to compete at the highest level.
“Luke’s professionalism, focus, and natural talent make him a truly special player, and we’re committed to providing the support and structure he needs to reach even greater heights.”
Littler also had his say on the new partnership, stating: “Target has been part of my career from the very beginning, and I’ve always had a great relationship with everyone there.
“I’m really happy to have their backing as I continue to focus on my game and prepare for the big tournaments ahead.”
He completed a comprehensive thrashing of world No 1 Luke Humphries as he beat cool hand 6-1 in Leicester.
The buzz around the teen from Warrington has brought a legion of new fans to the darts, and up until recently, he had been managed by ZXF Sports Management.
The Nuke had been with them since the age of 13, and they oversaw his rise to the top of the darting world. But in a shocking announcement, he announced they would be parting ways last week
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ZXF Management manages stars like James Maddison and Chris Dobey as well as formerly managing Luke Littler | FACEBOOKSince then, he has won the maximum prize money of £120,000 for his dominant win over Humphries, but was shocked less than 24 hours later by Beau Graves as he was beaten after attempting to take victory in the World Youth Championships.
He now turns his focus to closing in on world No1 Cool Hand as there is only £70,000 separating him from the highest ranking in the world in the PDC world rankings.
Littler admitted after he won the World Grand Prix that his main focus was closing in on his close friend and rival, Humphries.
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He said: “This is my time and I've just got to keep going. Obviously, until I get that world number one spot, I will never call myself the best in the world.
“Whoever's number one, they're the best. But knowing I'm only £70,000 in prize money behind Luke, and then he's got to defend all of his prize money from the Grand Prix, the Players Championships and the World Championship.
Luke Littler demolished Luke Humphries to win the World Grand Prix on Sunday | GETTY“I don't want to think about it too much, but I could be world number one before that World Championship.
"I've just got to keep chucking away and put as much pressure as I can on Luke.”