Luke Littler upbeat despite Ally Pally heartache and says school is out and darts tour is in
EXCLUSIVE
Published: 23:38, 3 Jan 2024Updated: 23:48, 3 Jan 2024Luke Littler has a positive attitude despite despite his PDC World Championship defeat and is ready for the year that lies ahead.
The 16-year-old was beaten 7-4 by world no.1 Luke Humphries at Alexandra Palace in what has been a sensational debut tournament for Littler.
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It wasn’t to be for Littler as Humphries became the world championCredit: Getty
Littler quickly became a fan favourite and many tipped him to go all the way, but he fell at the final hurdle as Humphries came out on top.
At one point, Littler led 4-2 after winning three consecutive sets but those would prove to be his final victories of the night.
Considering his age, this is probably the first of many appearances at the World Championship.
And Littler was still in good spirits after the defeat as he told talkSPORT: “I’m disappointed not to get it over the line but it is what it is.
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“I played a good part in the tournament and played a good part in a good final then.”
Speaking on Humphries, who completed a fine comeback from 4-2 down, he added: “He was unbelievable. I’ve said it a few times now, I was just disappointed that when I was throwing first for a leg, I always lose it.
“I don’t know if I held any of my own throws because then Luke would break, hold is own and then I would be 2-0 down and I’d just be chasing. That’s what I was doing most of the game, chasing Luke.”
Littler’s recent efforts have seen him climb into the top 32, spelling the chance for him to compete at high-level tournaments later this year.
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Littler has still be able to see the positive side of things despite defeatCredit: Getty
“This is it, I’m in the top 32 so hopefully throughout this year I can stay in the top 32 and be a seed for the tournament back in December, the 2025 World Championships. I know it’s a busy year ahead.”
It seems as though darts is the only thing on his mind too: “I could potentially qualify for every tournament out there so there’s no school, no college, no nothing. This is it, Luke Littler on the darts tour.”
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Littler was shown a lot of love from the crowed throughout the tournament and even though he wasn’t able to win, he is still proud of his achievements in the past few weeks.
“100 per cent. My family and friends are, I knew they were when I lost, my dad was blowing me kisses, he never does that!” Littler said when asked if he was proud of his efforts at Ally Pally.
“But I know the support is there, I know the love is there but they are the same as me, winning two games, that’s all we wanted and this is just a bonus.”
Littler beat former world champion Raymond van Barneveld en route to the final as he emerged as a real contender for the title.
He also overcame Brendan Dolan and Rob Cross before falling to Humphries, with a bright future in darts surely ahead of him.
