This time last year Luke Littler was a little-known darts prodigy blitzing his way through a first-ever World Darts Championship appearance.
Fast forward 12 months and he’s already the most recognisable face in the sport.
His rise to prominence has been as sharp as the point on the end of his 23-gram darts.
But what about the Littler the public doesn’t get to see? That’s something World Darts Championship ace Stephen Bunting exclusively told Express Sport.
“We see him week in week out on the Pro Tour. He’s literally sat there on his phone, he’ll be watching Man United play, or he’ll be playing a game,” Bunting stated.
“He might be chilling with a friend that he’s brought in [to watch]. He very rarely practises, he’ll probably stand up for 20 minutes, throw for the bull and it’s game on.
“He’s doing everything you’re taught not to do. But it works for him.”
Sometimes it’s not about how you get there and with over a £1million already pocketed during his first year as a professional, few can complain about Littler’s methods.
Bunting believes Littler isn’t alone in his nonchalant approach to the sport though, comparing the teenage sensation to two-time world champion Gary Anderson.
“I think Gary Anderson is very similar, that’s the way he approaches the game, he doesn’t really practice that much. He gets up and averages 110 or whatever it is.
“But Luke Littler has brought a ray of sunshine to our sport and long may it continue. He’s bringing new followers in daily and people are talking about it on the TV.”
Littler’s hopes of getting his hands on the Sid Waddell trophy were only boosted following his first match at this year’s World Championship, with the teen downing Ryan Meikle 3-1 on Saturday night.
Averaging a sensational 140 in the final set of the game, Littler came within the width of the wire to a nine-dart finish, which would’ve also bagged the 17-year-old an added £60,000 in cash.
He returns to action following the Christmas break when he plays fellow Runcorn native Ian White in round three.
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