Luke Littler's meteoric rise in darts has ironically prevented him from defending his PDC Development Tour titles.
The teenage sensation has soared to second place in the world rankings, with prize money earnings exceeding £1.1million.
PDC rules strictly prohibit players ranked inside the top 32 from competing on the Development Tour, meaning Littler's remarkable success has effectively barred him from participating.
The restriction came into effect after he reached 31st in the rankings following his World Championship final appearance last year.
Luke Littler has effectively barred him from participating in the Development Tour
PA
His remarkable ascent continued with victories in Premier League Darts and the Grand Slam of Darts.
These triumphs, combined with his World Championship success, have guaranteed Littler entry into lucrative events like the Premier League.
The PDC's Order of Merit, which determines rankings based on prize money won over a two-year period, has seen Littler climb to second place behind Luke Humphries.
His total earnings of more than £1.1million reflect his dominant performances at the highest level of the sport.
In 2023, while still establishing himself in the sport, Littler claimed victory in four Development Tour events.
These achievements came before his dramatic rise through the rankings, which has now prevented him from defending those titles in 2024.
Having been catapulted straight to 31st position after the 2024 World Championship, and subsequently rising to second, Littler's focus has shifted to competing among the sport's elite players.
His absence from the Development Tour reflects his rapid progression to the highest echelons of professional darts.
Luke Littler has gone on from winning the Development Tour to world champion in no time at all
Reuters
Littler returned to action at the World Masters last weekend, showcasing his exceptional talent.
He dispatched Andy Baetens with a remarkable 104.33 average, before posting an even more impressive 105.47 against James Wade, winning both matches without dropping a set.
In the quarter-finals, Littler elevated his game further against Jonny Clayton, recording a stunning 108.50 average.
Despite this exceptional performance, Clayton emerged victorious with a 4-2 win, before ultimately losing to Humphries in the final.
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Following the match, Clayton expressed satisfaction at defeating Littler after losing their previous encounter.
"Luke didn't play his A-game but it's a battle and I got over the line," he told ITV Sport.
"I've got a smile, a big smile. To be fair, cracking guy. Great darts player. He's got a big future ahead of him," Clayton added.
"I've got one back, so yeah, good. I was just trying to concentrate. It went my way. All jokes aside, it went my way. It was my day."
