Raducanu issues Littler warning as darts star told to "keep his circle close"
Emma Raducanu has warned Luke Littler he needs to keep his "circle close" after the 16-year-old finished as the runner-up at the PDC World Championship.
Littler enjoyed a stunning run at Ally Pally over the festive period, beating former world champions Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross to reach the final. He went 4-2 up over Luke Humphries, but 'Cool Hand' won five sets in a row to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.
The Nuke's run at the tournament was reminiscent of Raducanu's at the 2021 US Open. The British star entered that competition as a qualifier having been ranked at World No.150 when it began.
Raducanu would go on to become the first-ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows. But her career since then has been a major struggle, with the Brit failing to get past the second round at any subsequent Grand Slam.
This weekend, the 21-year-old will make her return to action following seven months ruled out with injury. And heading into that match, Raducanu warned Littler to enjoy the moment, but to protect himself.
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“I didn’t watch the darts - my friend just sent me a picture of the boy who was like 16, who lost in the final. She was like, 'I can't believe this guy's only 16 years old.’ What advice would I give him?" Raducanu said.
“I would just say, 'Keep your circle close, take time to actually enjoy it and don't rush into the next thing straightaway'. I think my level, to be honest, is just too good not to come through if I put consistent work together.
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Littler enjoyed a stunning run at the PDC World Championship (PA)"Success to me in the long-term is to play a full season, to be healthy throughout, to be able to train consistent weeks. I know my level is there, I just need to keep working on it to make it more consistent."
Littler's run at the World Championships saw him break into the top 32 of the PDC Order of Merit. He also earned a place in the Premier League Darts competition, which will be a gruelling 17-night tournament.
But it is a challenge that Littler feels he is more than up for following his stunning Christmas. Littler insisted that the decision made sense to him, despite doubts around his readiness.
"It's unbelievable. No more development tour. This is it. Playing in the Premier League and comfortably in the (world's top) 32," Littler told Sky Sports News when his inclusion was announced.
"As soon as I came off the stage, did the media and saw the family, my manager pulled me aside and said, 'Do you want to do it?' I said, 'Let's do it, it might not happen again'.
"I'll probably have to take a break maybe from a few ProTours but I knew what was coming as soon as I said yes to the Premier League. This is just going to be an incredible experience."
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