Luke Littler has his sights set on turning into world No 1 earlier than the conclusion of the Grand Slam of Darts.
The teenage sensation’s meteoric rise has taken him from World Championship runner-up on debut as a qualifier to world champion in simply two exceptional years.
Littler has revolutionised darts, successful seven main titles by the age of 18, however one accolade – world No 1 – has up to now eluded him.
That honour at the moment belongs to Luke Humphries however defending Grand Slam champion Littler desires to knock his previous adversary off his perch earlier than the top of the match.
“It is all right down to enterprise now,” Littler stated after finishing his good group-stage marketing campaign with victory over Daryl Gurney on Tuesday.
“Now we’re out of the teams and hopefully I can go on and defend the title.
“I do know Luke [Humphries] is on the opposite facet of the draw. I’ve not been paying a lot consideration, however I’ve simply acquired to maintain plodding ahead, and I do know if I do get to the ultimate then I will be No 1.”
Humphries leads Littler within the PDC Order of Advantage, however with lower than £75,000 in prize cash separating them, ‘The Nuke’ merely wants to succeed in the ultimate in Wolverhampton to turn into No 1.
That is as a result of the distinction in prize cash between successful and ending runner-up is bigger than the hole that at the moment separates Littler and Humphries within the standings.
The knockouts on the Grand Slam of Darts see an expanded format, with Littler’s last-16 tie in opposition to Wessel Nijman – reside on Sky Sports activities – a best-of-19 legs contest.
The quarter-finals, semi-finals and ultimate improve to a best-of-31 format, which Littler – who may face Michael van Gerwen or Josh Rock – hopes will carry out the very best in his recreation.
“I hope I do carry out higher over the longer format, and I am certain I’ll. I will put the observe in,” he added.
“I’ve at all times stated I like approaching stage after a break. I do know there might be two essential breaks, however I believe that is the place they’ll see the very best darts.
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Highlights of the Grand Slam of Darts group stage match between Luke Littler and Daryl Gurney.
“There weren’t many good darts within the group stage, however I am certain I’ll produce even higher.”
Littler has abdomen for the combat
Sky Sports activities’ Mark Webster:
“Littler is craving the world No 1 spot and defending the title. Littler has been actually snug within the best-of-nine format. Now it is doubled to first-to-10, I believe Littler will get the higher of Wessel.
“Littler is aware of methods to battle again, he proved that within the World Matchplay, he by no means panics and that can set him in good stead. I believe he could have an excessive amount of.”
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