LUKE ‘The Nuke’ Littler sounded an ominous warning to his rivals after his Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts success in Wolverhampton.
The youngest ever winner of the tournament, he collected the Eric Bristow Trophy, £150,000 in prize money and ranking points that moved him up to number five in the world thanks to his 16-3 walloping of Martin Lukeman.
But within moments of getting hold of the coveted silverware, the 17-year-old Warrington superstar had his sights on the two remaining tournaments of the year – the Players Championship in Minehead next weekend and then the World Championships at Alexandra Palace from December 15.
“I’m so happy to win this,” said Littler, for whom it was a first world-ranking title success to go with his nine other big prizes from his maiden year as a professional and buried the memories of some early exits from the ‘major’ televised ranking events in 2024.
“I knew coming into the tournament if I did get my hands on the trophy, which at that point was a long way away, I’d be up to number five in the world.
“And it’s number five in the space of 10 months.
“There’s still another two more ranking tournaments to go so hopefully I can go a bit higher than five.
“Hopefully I can go deep into the Players Championship as well and then it’s all eyes on the big one.
“This is one of the ones that I wanted to win. My ‘majors’ record wasn’t the best, but it’s okay now.
“I just wanted to come here and go deep into the tournament, but it’s gone better now that I’ve won it.
“And it just shows (to everyone) I’m still here.”
> Read: How Luke Littler got the job done in the Grand Slam of Darts final
This time last year Littler was ranked 164th in the world and still getting accustomed to life after school.
His run to the World Championships final at his first attempt was the catalyst to the incredible year he is having, capped by the Grand Slam of Darts victory.
He is now the bookmakers' favourite to win next month's World Championship, adding to his World Series of Darts, European Tour, Pro Tour and Grand Slam of Darts glories of 2024.
“The World Championships changed me, changed my family,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“Now the months and the tournaments have gone on I’m just getting used to it all and I’m going to have to get used to it for a very long time.”
Lukeman, who was also in his first Grand Slam of Darts tournament, paid tributed to his conqueror.
“He’s different gravy,” said the 39-year-old from Watford.
“He’s brilliant. He’s done great for the PDC, he’s done great for the sport with all the new fans and sponsorships.
“I wish him and his family the best.”
With Lukeman also having a strong run in the UK Open this year, it was put to him that a first major ranking tournament success must be around the corner for him.
“Hopefully, as long as he goes out early,” he said, pointing at Littler as they both doubled over laughing.
And what did Littler enjoy the most on his night of glory?
“The best feeling was when the bowl of confetti came out,” he said.
“This is what we play for, the moments, and the big titles we collect.”
Littler returns home to Appleton tonight and with the big events to come, his celebrating looks set to be low key.
“I’ll probably just go home, play on my Xbox and chill for a few days before the long drive to Minehead,” he said.
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