18-year-old Luke Littler, also known as The Nuke, triumphed at the World Matchplay, securing his first victory in the prestigious event. In a thrilling final, he defeated James Wade 18-13, becoming the youngest player to achieve darts’ Triple Crown, which includes the World Championship and the Premier League titles. Littler, who burst onto the scene at the age of 16, has also claimed victories in the Grand Slam of Darts and the UK Open.
Speculation surrounds Littler’s potential to challenge the records set by Phil Taylor, who clinched 16 world titles and the same number of World Matchplay victories. Realistically, Littler would need to continue playing for another two decades to approach Taylor’s remarkable achievements.
Despite his recent success and millionaire status, Littler contemplates the possibility of taking a break from darts in the future. Reflecting on his accomplishments, he envisions a potential comeback after a period of rest. Littler’s packed schedule includes an upcoming appearance at the Australian Masters World Series event.
Acknowledging the need for more trophy space, Littler humorously mentions the possibility of acquiring additional trophy cabinets. Collaborating with KP for the ‘Nuts for Darts’ campaign, Littler encourages pub landlords to participate in a contest where the winning pub will host an evening with the champion, engaging in dart games with customers.
In other news, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering significant savings to viewers and an extensive coverage of live matches, including over 1,400 games across various leagues. Sky’s broadcasting of Premier League matches is set to increase, with a minimum of 215 live games planned for the next season.