Luke Littler won't follow in the footsteps of Michael van Gerwen by calling himself the 'best in the world', despite winning his first World Championship at the age of 17.
Littler, who turned 18 last month, has taken professional darts by storm ever since bursting onto the scene little over a year ago.
Despite competing in just his second World Championship, Littler entered the tournament as the odds-on favourite ahead of defending champion Luke Humphries.
And the teenage sensation made light work of some experienced players before recording a convincing win over Van Gerwen in the final.
Luke Littler doesn't want to call himself the best in the world
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The new season is now well underway with the Premier League campaign starting this week, where Littler will be defending his title from last year.
Littler is currently considered by many to be the best in the world - a tag once associated with Van Gerwen.
The Dutchman was not ashamed in calling himself the best during his era of dominance.
But Littler has announced he will 'never' call himself the best despite his current status.
"I'm looking forward to a very busy 16 weeks hopefully get the top four and go to the O2 again," he said.
"The only difference is that I'm World Champion, maybe that comes with pressure but I'm just looking forward to it all.
"I never say it, maybe I should.
"Obviously if you win the World's, they class the World Champion as the best but I'll never say it."
Luke Littler is the current world champion
PALittler was speaking after thrashing Andy Baetens in his opening match of the World Masters in just 10 minutes.
He averaged over 104 in the statement win and will face off against James Wade in a tricky match for a place in the quarter-finals.
"It's a weird format but definitely got used to it," Littler added.
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Michael van Gerwen would regularly call himself the best during his era of dominance
GETTY"Of course 2-0 up in sets, 4/4 on the doubles and then I just needed to wrap that last set up which I did.
"I settled very quickly but I was happy with the performance overall.
"This is it now the busy schedule starts. I'd love to (win the title) but it's still a very strong field.
"Against James Wade it won't be an easy task so I'll have to play like I did tonight."
