Glen Durrant has made a promise to himself not to mention Luke Littler’s age following his maiden senior title win.
Durrant has sent advice to the teenager’s family though, insisting they must look after him during his first season on the professional tour.
Littler, who turned 17 on Sunday, stunned the darting world again at the Bahrain Masters.
He hit a nine-darter in his quarter-final win over Nathan Aspinall on Friday and comprehensively beat Michael van Gerwen in the final later on the same day.
Glen Durrant has sent advice to Luke Littler’s family
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It was his first tournament since reaching the World Darts Championship final at the turn of the year.
Former Premier League winner Durrant has been amazed by Littler’s performances.
But he has told himself that he will not mention his age again.
Durrant told Sky Sports News: “We’re witnessing something very, very special and I think we just have to enjoy it while he’s there.
“I’ve promised myself not to talk about his age because we’re just seeing something very generational.
“To beat three of the top five in Bahrain is really special.
“I couldn’t take the smile off my face watching him. It’s incredible.”
Durrant says the maturity of Littler is what has surprised him.
He added: “What impresses me most, it’s not the nine-darters, I know he could do that.
“It’s not the big averages, I’ve seen him do that, it’s the level of maturity that he’s demonstrating.
“It’s how he’s handling the situation and the reaction when he won it as well. He’s already thinking of the next tournament.
“It’s an incredible story and absolutely beautiful for the game of darts.”
Littler will take part in the Premier League, which starts on February 1 and continues for 17 consecutive weeks.
Durrant thinks Littler will enjoy being on tour but has advised his family and management team to keep a close eye on him.
He said: “I’ve more got advice for the people around him, he’s going to be away from home six days a week.
“But at 16, all I wanted to do was play darts.
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Glen Durrant says he will no longer mention Luke Littler’s age
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“So I don’t fear about the health and wellbeing of a teen travelling around Europe playing Premier League darts.
“But the people around him, his family, his management, they’ve got a job to do to look after him.
“But he’s just got to enjoy it. He’s good enough to go and win it! It’s scary.”
Littler was delighted with his performance in Bahrain after barely playing since his final defeat at Alexandra Palace.
He said: “I’m just very happy to win.
Luke Littler won his first senior title in Bahrain last week
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“I played well last night and I’ve played well again tonight – I’ve proven that I’ve got the ability to win.
“I’ve not picked a dart up since the World Championship final so I wasn’t expecting anything, but I’ve won all my games, hit the nine-darter against Nathan and got over the line against a very good Michael van Gerwen.
“He is still one of the best if not the best, but I am just so happy to win on my debut.”
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