LITTLER ADMITS "CRAZY RIDE"

LUKE LITTLER admits it’s been a “crazy ride” to the World Darts Championship final. 

The sizzling 16-year-old crushed 2018 title winner Rob Cross 6-2 in the semi-final at the Ally Pally. 

He can now become the youngest-ever champion in darts history tonight and pocket the £500,000 jackpot if he beats new World No.1 Luke Humphries.

Luke ‘The Nuke’ said: “It's been a crazy ride. I am still standing. I'm in one of the biggest finals in the world. I was happy winning one game but I could go all the way!

“I have surprised myself. I have thrown big averages all year around. I'm pleased to bring it on the biggest stage of them all.

"It would be beyond unbelievable to win this. I only set my goal to win one game and then come back after Christmas. I have to stay composed and get over that line.”

Only four players; Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Gary Anderson and Humphries have averaged more in a world semi-final than the 106.05 managed by Littler over eight sets.

Asked how he would prepare for this evening's final, Warrington star Littler said: “In the morning I'll go for a ham and cheese omelette, come in here, have my pizza, then practise. I had an omelette the first night and I've just continued like that. Don't fix it if it's not broken.”

Reaching the final is a dream come true for the darts fan who started playing the sport while still in nappies. He said: “It's mind-blowing.

“I'm just trying to think if I could even lift the trophy. Is it heavy?

"I can't believe I'm still here. I remember after the Christian Kist game I was trending above Mbappe. 

“I keep winning and getting more followers on social media. The amount of finals I've watched, now I'm into one. It's crazy.”

Littler, who turns 17 on January 21, is seven sets away from achieving the greatest story in the sport's history.

Van Gerwen was the youngest winner of a PDC world crown when he prevailed in 2014, aged 24.

Words by Phil Lanning.

Images by Taylor Lanning.