Luke Littler has warned his rivals that winning the Grand Slam of Darts is only the start as he aims to end his debut professional season in style.
The 17-year-old has ripped up the record books since emerging at last year’s PDC World Championships.
He quickly proved his run to the final at the Alexandra Palace was no flash in the pan by winning the Bahrain Masters title on his World Series of Darts debut.
Victory in the Premier League only cemented his status as the next superstar of the sport.
Luke Littler is aiming for a big finish to the season
PA
But Littler was struggling to replicate that form at the premier ranked events.
The teenager was knocked out in the first round of the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and European Championship.
However, Littler managed to end that run in style last weeek by storming to victory at the Grand Slam of Darts.
He’s back in action this week in the Players Championship Finals before attention turns to the World Championships once again.
And that victory in Wolverhampton has given Littler an added boost in his desire to add more silverware in the final two events.
“The win at the Grand Slam has given me a lot of confidence,” Littler said.
“I can relax a bit now I’ve won my first ranking title.
“I know my game is there, and I know I can come back if I am trailing in matches.
Luke Littler won the Grand Slam of Darts last week
PA
“I’ve let my darts do most of the talking this year, but there’s still another two titles up for grabs, so hopefully it can get even better.”
Littler was given another tricky draw in the opening round of the Players Championship Finals against Rob Cross.
The 2018 world champion won their previous encounter at the World Grand Prix 2-1.
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Luke Littler will be hoping to go one better at the Alexandra Palace
PA
But Littler has a chance of leapfrogging Cross in the PDC Order of Merit by making a deep run at the Players Championship Finals.
The teen jumped up to fifth in the rankings after his win at the Grand Slam of Darts and a run to the quarter-final would see him move up above Cross.
Littler could also drop down with four players capable of overtaking him by winning the Players Championship Finals.