Lineker leads tributes to Luke Littler as teenager reaches world darts final

02 January 2024 , 22:28

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Luke Littler has continued his sensational run at Alexandra Palace (Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)

Gary Lineker admitted he knew nothing about darts but lauded Luke Littler after he marched into the World Darts Championship.

The teenager has taken Alexandra Palace by storm and he is now a match away from claiming the sport's biggest title. Littler saw off Rob Cross 6-2, averaging 106 whilst doing so. Littler was a youth champion and has quickly bought that form to the professional game.

He's broken record after record and is now the youngest ever player to appear in a World Darts Championship final, surpassing Kirk Shepard who was 21 when he made the showpiece event in 2008. Lineker has joked that Littler looks to have a future in the sporting world.

He said: "I know bugger all about darts but Luke Littler might have a future. I mean, WOW!" Fellow broadcaster Dan Walker said: "Rob Cross averaged 103 and had 10 maximums but was blown away by Luke Littler. The 16-year-old had him on toast. Real class from Cross at the end too."

Littler remained grounded after another stellar display and admitted his only ambition when he first came to north London was to win a single match - he's now won six. The 16-year-old told Sky Sports : "I have no words, it's just crazy, that I'm in a World Championship final on my debut. I was happy winning one game but I could go all the way.

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"My target was to still be here after Christmas and now here I am in the final. I've just settled on the stage - once I find the rhythm, I'm good to go."

Luke Littler is into the final of the World Darts Championship (Ian Stephen/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)

The teenage sensation will also stick to his usual routine despite preparing for the sport's biggest match on Wednesday night. "I'll just keep doing what I've been doing," he said. "In the morning I'll go for my ham and cheese omelette, then later a pizza and then practice on the board. I'll be watching the other semi. I'm sure it will be another cracking game."

Littler has landed himself a guaranteed £200,000 whatever happens in the final. Should he win though he will head back to Warrington with half a million to his name and put himself firmly among the best players in darts.

Wayne Mardle said on his achievement: "He continues to perform beyond the highest level. It's magnificent. He averages 106.05 in the biggest match of his life. The kid just takes it all in his stride. Absolutely magnificent. If you're sat at home and witnessed that or are here, you've witnessed something utterly mind-boggling. A 16-year-old is in the final of the World Championship."

Samuel Meade