Luke Littler has been a calm and cheerful presence on the Alexandra Palace stage having taken the World Darts Championship by storm – but the teenager did show his competitive nature back in 2022 during a match against Dutch talent Pim Van Bijnen.
Littler has become an overnight sensation this festive season with his incredible run to the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship.
He’s now a household name with even non-sports fans being captured by the story of his dream run.
Littler was a relatively unknown name to many before his first-round match last month, but those involved in the juniors have certainly known about his talents for several years.
Luke Littler got Pim Van Bijnen punished for stepping over the oche
JDCWORLDCHAMPIONSHIP
He won his first seniors title in November 2021 at the Irish Open at the age of 14, which qualified him for the WDF World Darts Championship.
The teenage sensation then hit a nine-dart finish at the JDC MVG Masters and went from strength to strength in 2022.
He ended the year with a sensational triumph at the JDC World Darts Championship, where he thrashed Harry Gregory 5-0 in the final.
But it was in Littler’s semi-final where he showed his competitive nature and ultimately got his opponent punished.
Van Bijnen had been struggling with ‘dartitis’, where he was unable to properly release the dart during a throw.
Despite the ailment, Van Bijnen took the opening leg against Littler and looked on course to open a two-leg lead when he scored a 180.
But the Dutch talent’s second dart saw him accidentally move his back leg in front of the oche, which led Littler to instantly protest with officials.
Littler appeared perplexed why his opponent wasn’t punished at the time of the infringement.
Luke Littler complained to officials
JDCWORLDCHAMPIONSHIP
Van Bijnen appeared to acknowledge his error while in discussion with Littler before the former was deducted the 60 points for his second throw.
Littler managed to refocus from that point on as he sealed the victory at 5-2 to make it to the final, which was held at Alexandra Palace.
The then-15-year-old made light work of his clash with Gregory, sealing the win with a brilliant 112 finish.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Pim Van Bijnen didn’t appear to protest his innocence
JDCWORLDCHAMPIONSHIP
He successfully defended his crown a year later with an astonishing average of 102 just days before he embarked on his dream run in the PDC World Darts Championship.
The 16-year-old is now preparing to face off against Rob Cross for a spot in the major final.
He’s already the youngest darts star to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship and has earned £100,000 in prize money from his exploits.
Post comments (0)