It was a memorable afternoon for Ireland at the World Darts Championship but the evening session will be remembered for the debut of 16-year-old English player Luke Littler.
Luke 'The Nuke' Littler blitzed Dutch opponent Christian Kist in straight sets 3-0, 3-1, 3-0.
Littler possesses the comportment of a young man about to embark on middle age, but in fact is a mere teenager.
He played with the presence and swagger of a vastly-experienced pro and bullied his Dutch opponent, who is a former world champion.
Littler's first set was especially mad, as he averaged 109, missed a single shot at double and won 3-0. No leg went over 15 darts, and Littler averaged 106 for the game.
From his walk-on, it was clear that Littler belonged.
Luke Littler makes his way to the World Championship stage for the first time in his senior career...
What a moment for the 16-year-old 🙌 pic.twitter.com/K9JQRhh26W— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 20, 2023
After his victory, Littler dedicated his win to Phil Taylor.
The darts world was absolutely in awe.
You’ve just witnessed something extraordinary. Luke Littler may be the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen.
— Wayne Mardle (@Wayne501Mardle) December 20, 2023
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How old is Luke Littler?
Incredibly, Littler is only 16-years-old and 11 months. He'll turn 17 on 21 January.
As he likes to tell people, he started playing darts when he was 18 months.
The internet could not believe the Warrington lad is a mere minor
‘He’s got school in the morning’ 🎶🤣#WorldDartsChampionship pic.twitter.com/nAt3d0yCk1
— Live Darts (@livedarts) December 20, 2023
Still not having it that Luke Littler is 16
Where was his paper round, Chernobyl?! pic.twitter.com/HMczBdRNQN— Josh (@joshpearson180) December 20, 2023
There are many things that I believe in life. Luke Littler being 16 years old is not one of them. This fella has a mortgage, four kids and has been grafting for 20 years. #WorldDartsChampionship pic.twitter.com/96YEGRZHRU
— James Palmer (@JJPalmer26) December 20, 2023
Who is Luke Littler?
Littler is been highly touted as one of the next big thing in darts. He won the World Junior Championship last month and has secured his card for the PDC tour card for 2024-2025.
Speaking last week, Glen Durrant compared him to a young Michael Van Gerwen.
“I rate Luke. I’d rate him even if he got beaten in the first round.
“He’s got something special. He has that real X factor.
“I remember watching Michael van Gerwen when I first went on the BDO circuit. He was very young. It was the Norway Open, which he won at the age of 16.
“I saw him and thought, he’s a once-in-a-generation player. I think Luke Littler at 16 is better than Van Gerwen was at the same age.
“He has excellent rhythm. He’s very mature. He looks older than 16. He has handled everything very, very well so far.
After his huge win Wednesday, the hype is only going to build around the teenager. Littler is back playing on Thursday in the second round to take on slow-thrower Andrew Gilding.
