Luke Littler shows true colours as World Championship star says ‘I know I’ve broken rules’ | Other | Sport

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Luke Littler shows true colours as World Championship star says ‘I know I’ve broken rules’ | Other | Sport

Luke Littler admits he has « broken rules » with his progress to the quarter-final of the World Darts Championship. The 16-year-old has upset all the odds by reaching the last eight of the competition after beating idol Raymond van Barneveld.

Littler brushed aside five-time champion Van Barneveld 4-1 on Saturday. He continues to show maturity and quality on the oche beyond his years.

The teen has set up a clash against Brendan Dolan on New Year’s Day after the Northern Irishman beat Gary Anderson in a thriller. Littler is not the first child sporting superstar but he knows what he is achieving is very rare.

He said: « Unbelievable, those names you have just mentioned. I know of ‘Iron Mike’ and Pele off playing FIFA but I’m sorry – I don’t know the other one.

« I have certainly broken the rules and records already but I know if my game is there I can beat even more records. I think I am daring to dream now. I am only three wins away. »

If Littler beats Dolan then he will face either Chris Dobey or former champion Rob Cross in the semi-final. Michael van Gerwen could then be waiting in the final but Littler has shown his true colours, showing the utmost confidence by insisting he can beat anyone on his day in real fighting talk.

Littler added: « I’m so young, only 16 and I have got nothing to fear, I have got no one to fear. My game can be better than anyone’s on the day and I have shown it against one of the greatest players to have graced that stage.

« Do I feel unstoppable? Whatever Luke Littler turns up, on whatever day I play, will determine the outcome.

« With performances like that I can go all the way. I’ve pictured myself winning it. I look at the draw and see Brendan next and then Chris Dobey against Rob Cross in the other quarter. I fancy myself. I do fancy myself. »

Littler wasn’t even born when Van Barneveld won his last world title in 2007. The Dutchman is tipping the youngster to go all the way.

Littler said: « Barney said to me at the end, ‘You can go all the way. I hope you go all the way’. I said, ‘Thank you’.

« He is a true gentleman. I respect Raymond very well. Raymond was incredible. It was incredible to see his iconic walk-on, I am so glad I got the job done. It wasn’t easy. »

Cet article est apparu en premier en ANGLAIS sur https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/1850513/Luke-Littler-World-Darts-Championship


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