A 16-year-old darts player from Warrington made his debut in the UK Open over the weekend, winning three games.
Luke Littler came through qualifiers to reach darts’ ‘FA Cup’ as its youngest ever player and was tipped for a strong showing as the reigning Junior Darts World Champion.
Littler was tasked with opening the tournament on Friday and a 6-0 triumph over Nick Fulwell made him the youngest ever player to win on the UK Open stage.
“I think he looks a little older, doesn’t he?”
The young starlet went on to claim two further victories, knocking out Rusty-Jake Rodriguez and Ritchie Edhouse, peaking with a 96 average.
In the end, a narrow defeat to eventual semi-finalist Adam Gawlas ended the teenager’s first taste of UK Open action, but his performances hinted at a bright future.
The eventual victor of the tournament was a 200/1 outsider in Andrew Gilding, who picked up his first major honour at the age of 52.
Gilding, nicknamed ‘Goldfinger’, came from 8-5 down to win a last leg decider and defeat world number three Michael van Gerwen in the final.