Luke Littler, 16, reveals how his dad inspired him to £100,000 run to World Darts Championship semi-final at Ally Pally
DARTS wonderkid Luke Littler has revealed how his dad helped kick-start his remarkable rise in the sport.
The Warrington teenager, 16, extended his astonishing run at the PDC World Darts Championship with a 5-1 demolition of Brendan Dolan in their quarter-final at Alexandra Palace on Monday.
Luke Littler is the youngest player to reach the World Darts Championship semi-finalsAP
Littler has credited dad Anthony, left, for introducing him to dartsInstagram @lukethenukelittler
He is the youngest ever player to reach the last four of the competition – where he will play 2018 champion Rob Cross on Tuesday.
And he has picked up £100,000 after reaching the semis – with that prize money increasing to £250,000 if he claims the trophy.
But his journey began 15 years ago when he started throwing darts as a toddler.
Footage has emerged of an 18-month-old Littler firing arrows onto a magnetic dartboard while he was still wearing nappies.
And he has now confirmed his dad, Anthony, purchased the board after Littler watched him playing in the house.
Discussing his introduction into the sport, he said: “It was just my dad, he always played in the house, he never played in a pub league.
‘I was just looking up to him. When we went to some shop, I just pointed out the magnetic dart board because they looked similar [to his dad’s dart board] – and the rest is history.”
Littler’s dad was overcome with emotion following his son’s fourth-round win over five-time champion Raymond van Barneveld – the teenager’s hero.
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He told Sky Sports: “I can’t believe it. He just beat a legend. I don’t know what to say.
“He used to watch Barney when he was three and he’s just beat him – it’s crazy.
He then went on to add: “On his day he could do [win the tournament]. He’s got as good a chance as anyone.”
Littler was pictured kissing beauty consultant girlfriend Eloise, 21, following his win over Dolan on Monday.
She then took to social media to post an emotional message to the darts star.
Littler’s sister, Caitlin, also posted about her sibling’s tremendous success.
The youngster is now the 13/8 FAVOURITE to win the title after Scott Williams knocked out three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in a huge upset.
Littler has dropped just four sets on his way to the last four.
And he endeared himself even more to the adoring crowd during his win over Dolan.
Littler put on a show by teasing fans midway through a Big Fish attempt.
He turned to the crowd to rile them up before a failed bullseye shot – which would have completed a brilliant 170 checkout.
If Littler comes past Cross, he will face either Williams or pre-tournament favourite Luke Humphries in Wednesday’s final.
