Luke Littler: UK’s teen darts sensation eyes second major scalp at world championship

A teenage darts player is aiming to upset another big name in his quest to win his first world title.

Luke Littler, 16, from Warrington, faces compatriot Andrew Gilding, 53, in the second round of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on Thursday evening.

Gilding, the number 23 seed, is this year’s UK Open champion.

Littler hit seven maximum 180s and had a three-dart average of 106 in his stunning three sets to nil demolition of Dutchman Christian Kist on Wednesday.

Top moment of teen’s fledgling career

The teenager is the reigning world youth champion, and the third-youngest player to appear at the tournament.

Littler said he “can’t believe how quickly I settled into the game”.

“When I was walking on, I felt a bit nervous but as soon as I found the rhythm, I was in,” he added.

He said the win was the “top” moment of his career – and paid tribute to childhood hero and darts legend Phil Taylor.

“I know he’s watching – that’s for you, Phil,” he said.

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‘I can’t remember a better debut’

Ex-player and Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle said he was “probably the most naturally gifted player I have seen”.

Mardle said Littler, the reigning world youth champion, could go all the way and win his debut championship.

He told Sky Sports Darts: “I can’t remember a better [debut] than that.

“I had goosebumps watching him. We may never see the like again.”

Another former player, Mark Webster, said: “I’m going to get carried away with it: I think he can win the whole thing.”

Mitchell Clegg is the youngest player to have competed in the tournament, aged 16 years and 37 days in 2006.

A year ago, Beau Greaves, 18, became the youngest woman to compete at the championship in its 30-year history.

Michael van Gerwen became the youngest winner of the PDC title, aged 24, in 2014.