Luke Littler has boldly declared he is “everyone’s cup final” as he prepares to defend his Premier League darts title.
The 18-year-old sensation enters Thursday’s opening night in Belfast as world number two, having claimed 11 PDC titles in the past 12 months.
Littler, who holds the Premier League, Grand Slam and World Series crowns, sits behind only Luke Humphries in the world rankings.
The teenage star will face Michael van Gerwen in his opening match of the tournament.
Luke Littler is the reigning Premier League champion
PA
Speaking to talkSPORT, Littler acknowledged having a target on his back since finishing as runner-up on his debut World Championship appearance.
“I’ve said it for years and years, even when I’ve been on the old BDO/WDF circuit, people are going to play their A-game [against me],” he said.
“They’re going to, it’s their cup final when they do come up against me.”
The young star warned that opponents regularly raise their game, noting: “If I’m not on it, then nine times out of 10, I will get beat, because they’re throwing in a 110 average.”
However, Littler remains confident in his own abilities, particularly his power scoring which he claims is “one of the best in the sport.”
“Everyone knows, even myself, I can find those extra gears,” Littler said..
“I can go out and do 10or 11-darters and that’s what hurts people – it’s the power scoring that I’ve got.”
Luke Littler is not short of confidence
Reuters
His self-assurance stems from consistently high performances, including a record-breaking set average of 140.91 against Ryan Meikle at this year’s World Championships.
Littler has dominated recent encounters with Van Gerwen, winning seven of their last ten meetings.
When asked if he believes he’s in the Dutchman’s head, Littler laughed: “No idea. It’s difficult.
“It’s difficult the way that both of us players go around it, we are totally different,” he added.
The pair’s latest clash comes in Belfast, where Littler previously recorded his highest three-dart average of 114 against Van Gerwen.
Despite the high-stakes opener, Littler is taking a measured approach to the Premier League campaign.
“If it doesn’t go to plan [in Belfast], fingers crossed obviously it does, it is what it is,” he said.
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Luke Littler faces Michael van Gerwen first in Dublin
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“We’ve still got another 15 weeks to try and get to the 02 in London.”
The teenager is hoping to replicate his success from last year’s Belfast night.
He added: “Belfast last year was my first nightly win, so hopefully I can win it again, but first things first, I must get past Michael in the first game.”