01 January 2024 , 16:59
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Darts sensation Luke Littler has bagged his biggest-ever pay day after his dream run in the PDC World Championships continued into the final four.
The 16-year-old has been one of the standout stories at Alexandra Palace this year with a sensational debut appearance. Now, after overcoming hero Raymond van Barneveld, Littler has ruthlessly destroyed Brendan Dolan in his quarter-final showdown on New Year's Day. The youngster, who has also beaten Christian Kist, Andrew Gilding, Matt Campbell en-route to the semi-finals, turned in another sensational showing to tear apart his opponent 5-1.
After booking his place in the semi-finals - where he will face former world champ Rob Cross - he has already guaranteed himself £100k. That prize pot will only increase if Littler keeps up his stunning form and KO's Cross for a place in the final.
The runner-up of the competition will claim £200k, while the eventual winner secured £500k.
While Littler still has a fair bit of work to do to bag that amount, he has already secured the biggest pay day of his career. His previous highest prize was his two payouts of around £27,500 during the Modus Super Series in Portsmouth.
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Speaking after beating Dolan, Littler did little to hide both his delight and ambition of securing the trophy later this month. He said: "Wow! I'm in a semi-final on my debut. I just threw another 100+ average so it's going well. If I keep it up I have a chance of winning it.
"I am two games away now. I am definitely thinking about lifting the title! At 4-0 up, Brendan came back but I was able to get over the line. My board management is one of the best. I know what to set up.
Luke Littler shakes hands with Brendan Dolan (Getty Images)Will Luke Littler win the PDC World Championships? Share your predictions in the comments below
"Rob Cross won it on debut as well. I am looking forward to playing him in the semis. Tomorrow it will be nice to chill in the morning and then come back in the evening."
Littler's semi-final clash with Cross will take place on Tuesday, January 2. The match is due to get underway at 7:30pm. Should he beat his next opponent, then he will play one of Michael van Gerwen, Scott Williams, Dave Chisnall or Luke Humphries in the final.