Barry Hearn has used Michael van Gerwen as an example as to why he's cautious about raising expectations on Luke Littler winning the World Championship on his second appearance - but Piers Morgan disregarded the Matchroom Sport founder.
Littler has helped raise the profile of darts to new heights this year since bursting onto the scene at the World Championships.
The sport has attracted new fans with record viewing figures for 2024 so far and Littler's been at the forefront of its success.
At just 17 years of age, Littler will have a long career ahead of him with many expectations he will become a multiple world champion.
Barry Hearn has urged caution about Luke Littler
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Speaking recently, Littler even admitted that he would love to target Phil Taylor's record of 16 world titles.
He's in strong contention of winning the Premier League on his debut campaign as he sits second in the table after nine nights.
But Hearn has been around to see plenty of teenage stars fall away after bursting onto the scene and is wary of something similar happening with Littler.
"It's interesting with Luke Littler," Hearn said.
"Every now and again a phenomenon comes up into your life.
"We've known about him since he was seven or eight years old.
"I don't know him well but to win the World Championships it might take him another year.
"I've seen players like Michael van Gerwen at his age do similar things and that was followed by two or three years where Michael van Gerwen couldn't win an argument.
Luke Littler won his first Premier League night last week
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"I think Luke Littler is more balanced and more settled than Michael was domestically and on the stage.
"But it's still a big obstacle to overcome the marathon of all sports.
"Now forget everything else, the Darts World Championship is a real mental test."
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Piers Morgan has backed Luke Littler to win the World Championship
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Morgan then interjected and said: "I'm going to be more confident.
"I think he's going to win it."
Littler is back in Premier League action on Thursday night with a raucous reception expected in Manchester.
