Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has suggested he may retire early from the sport, hinting that his professional career could last just 10 to 15 years. The 17-year-old, who burst onto the scene with a fairytale run to the World Championship final in January, told The Times: 'I might just do ten or fifteen years and retire, if I’ve had enough.'
Littler, known as 'The Nuke', has enjoyed a remarkable first full season, winning the Bahrain Darts Masters and his first ranking title at the Players Championship. He has also impressed in the Premier League, reaching two semi-finals and a final in Berlin, where he lost to Michael van Gerwen.
Despite his rapid rise, Littler is cautious about comparisons to legendary 16-time world champion Phil Taylor, made by current world number three Michael Smith. 'I don’t think anyone’s beating that record! It’s just crazy, crazy to think of me being bigger than Phil,' he said. 'I’ve said to many people I’ve not really set any goals. I just get on with it.'
If Littler follows through on his retirement plan, he would step away from darts at just 32, two years younger than Van Gerwen, who is currently 34. The teenager remains grounded about his achievements, adding: 'I’m still gobsmacked that I’m here, getting all these opportunities. I’m just taking it in my stride as I do.'
