The 16yo darts wizard blowing minds in epic World Champs debut

The 16yo darts wizard blowing minds in epic World Champs debut

English teenager Luke Littler became the youngest semi-finalist of the world darts championships history after smashing Brendan Dolan 5-1 in the quarters on Monday.

The 16-year-old will play 2018 winner Rob Cross in a last-four clash at Alexandra Palace, and has already pocketed £100,000 in prize money.

Three-time winner Michael van Gerwen, however, suffered one of the biggest shocks in recent times, going out 5-3 to unseeded Scott Williams in the last eight.

Van Gerwen’s exit confirms Littler’s status as a genuine contender to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy on Wednesday.

He has already proven he is ready to compete on the biggest stage after taking out UK Open winner Andrew Gilding and his hero Raymond van Barneveld on the way to the last eight and he maintained that form against Dolan.

Luke Littler is blowing minds.Source: Getty Images

And the teenager believes it is going to “take a lot” to stop his juggernaut.

“It feels unbelievable. I would never have thought I would have got to the semis on my debut year,” he said.

“Brendan was just another opponent in my way and I have brushed him aside and now I am into the semi-final.

“It’s going to take a lot to stop me, based on my performances so far. But it is about whatever Luke Littler turns up.

“I have got the ability to go all the way, if it’s not to be tomorrow night, it’s not to be.

“I know I have got a good chance and I have got a good feeling I could go all the way tomorrow.”

Sky Sports Darts’ Wayne Mardle says Littler is “probably the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen in my life”.

He added: “There’s not enough words to express what he’s doing. 16-year-olds don’t perform like this!”

“He’s an absolute darting freak – and that’s a term of endearment. Honestly the world should be standing up and taking notice and applauding what he’s doing.”

The crowds can’t get enough of the teen sensation.Source: Getty Images