Luke Littler has made the surprise announcement that he will compete in the World Youth Championship tomorrow in Wigan, just one day after winning his first World Grand Prix title.
The 18-year-old defeated world No.1 Luke Humphries 6–1 in Leicester to become the youngest-ever winner of the event, controlling the match from start to finish with precise scoring and clinical finishing.
The World Grand Prix, known for its double-start format, is widely regarded as one of the toughest tournaments to win. Littler’s dominant performance showcased his composure and ability to handle pressure on a major stage as he controlled that match against Cool Hand.
“It’s true. I’ll head to the World Youths tomorrow and see everyone and have a bit of fun,” Littler said.
Luke Littler added yet another title to his list at just 18
| PA“I don’t think anyone is going to be my friend tomorrow, but it’s 20 minutes up the road and I will try my best. I could have had the day off, but why not? Play the World Youth, then two Pro Tours in Wigan and have the weekend off.”
Reflecting on his Grand Prix victory, he added: “Very happy to tick it off. It’s not the easiest tournament to win. This week has been so tough.
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"Now I’ve picked the trophy up it’s one I can tick off and there’s not many left. I’ve got to perform the big out-shots, the big scores when Luke does put me under pressure. I think I played very well tonight. Luke was always behind me, I couldn’t step off the gas. I’m very happy to win.”
Littler came agonisingly close to hitting an nine-dart-leg, but assured fans he would have many more chances to do so: "When I hit the 180 I said to myself ‘have a go’. I didn’t get it, but there’s so many years to try and get that. I hit the 170, I hit all the 180s this week. It’s just the nine-darter that I’m missing. I’ve got time for a double-in nine-darter. I’m just very happy to win.”
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Luke Humphries could not match Luke Littler during the World Grand Prix final
| REUTERSHumphries, who had reached three consecutive World Grand Prix finals, struggled to match Littler’s pace, leaving the teenager in control throughout the 6–1 victory.
Littler’s victory adds to an extraordinary start to his professional career. In less than two years, he has now won seven major titles: the World Championship, UK Open, Premier League, World Matchplay, World Series Finals, Grand Slam of Darts, and now the World Grand Prix.
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The Nuke was almost out of the tournament much earlier as he almost lost to Gerwyn Price, but his win has left fans online with nothing but praise.
One fan said: “Another demolition job from Luke Littler…… Congratulations to him on another big title win.”
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries seems to be a rivalry that will go on for years to come
|GETTY
With another saying: “Luke Littler is on fire what a dominant performance.”
The win nets the 18-year-old an incredible £120,000, but his attention will now turn to the World Youth Championship tomorrow.