Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has rewritten the history books once again, becoming the youngest ever PDC world number one at just 18 years old.
Historic Achievement in Wolverhampton
The Warrington-born prodigy secured his position at the summit of world darts with a commanding 16-9 semi-final victory against Dutch player Danny Noppert at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton. This remarkable achievement comes less than two years after his spectacular debut on the professional circuit.
Littler has smashed the record previously held by Michael van Gerwen, who was 24 years old when he first reached the top spot in 2014. The teenage phenomenon's rise to the pinnacle of his sport has been nothing short of meteoric.
From World Championship Final to Global Stardom
Littler's journey to world number one began with his stunning run to the final of the 2024 PDC World Championship, where he captured the public's imagination with his record-breaking performance. He subsequently became the youngest ever world champion a year later, transforming into a global superstar who has transcended the sport of darts.
In an incredible display of consistency and skill, Littler has accumulated £1.77 million in prize money during his brief professional career. His semi-final victory against Noppert demonstrated both resilience and clinical finishing, as he was made to work hard before pulling away to secure his historic win.
Rivalry with Humphries Reaches New Heights
The newly crowned world number one now faces his great rival Luke Humphries in Sunday's Grand Slam of Darts final. Humphries booked his place in a third successive major final with a hard-fought 16-13 victory against Gerwyn Price.
Littler expressed his delight at reaching the summit, stating: "It's not even been two years, I have not even spent two years on tour and I am already world No 1. That is job done, now I am world No 1, but I have got a bigger match tonight."
He added: "I am the best in the world. I have said it throughout the year. Luke Humphries has been the best in the world. It doesn't matter if you go out in the first round or second round, if you're No 1, you're the best in the world."
Humphries, who has won the World Masters and Premier League this year, acknowledged the battle for supremacy is far from over. The 30-year-old commented: "When it gets to the worlds, I've got one opportunity to take it back from him. I'll be fighting hard, it's a war now."
This latest chapter in their enthralling rivalry promises to deliver another thrilling encounter as Littler looks to celebrate his new status with victory in Wolverhampton.
