Luke Littler doing everything 'he's taught not to do' as World Darts Championship rival speaks out
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Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler's unconventional approach to the sport has been revealed by fellow World Championship contender Stephen Bunting.
"We see him week in week out on the Pro Tour. He's literally sat there on his phone, he'll be watching Manchester United play, or he'll be playing a game," Bunting disclosed.
The two-time World Championship semi-finalist added that Littler rarely takes time to warm up before matches.
"He very rarely practises, he'll probably stand up for 20 minutes, throw for the bull and it's game on," said Bunting.
Luke Littler has taken the world of darts by storm
PA
"He's doing everything you're taught not to do. But it works for him."
Despite his laid-back approach, Littler has emerged as darts' most standout star in just 12 months, transforming from an under-the-radar talent to a household name.
His meteoric rise has been matched by remarkable financial success, with earnings exceeding £1million in his first professional year.
His pinpoint accuracy with his 23-gram darts has proven that his unconventional methods are delivering results.
The young prodigy's approach may break traditional training norms, but his impressive earnings have silenced any potential critics of his technique.
Luke Littler was named Young Sports Personality of the Year
PA
Bunting drew parallels between Littler's approach and that of double world champion Gary Anderson.
"I think Gary Anderson is very similar, that's the way he approaches the game, he doesn't really practice that much. He gets up and averages 110 or whatever it is," Bunting explained.
The veteran player also praised Littler's impact on the sport's popularity.
"Luke Littler has brought a ray of sunshine to our sport and long may it continue," Bunting added.
"He's bringing new followers in daily and people are talking about it on the TV."
Littler's exceptional talent was on full display during his World Championship debut match, securing a convincing 3-1 victory over Ryan Meikle on Saturday night.
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Stephen Bunting praised Luke Littler
PA
The teenager demonstrated remarkable form in the final set, achieving an impressive 140 average.
He came tantalizingly close to securing a nine-dart finish, which would have earned him an additional £60,000 bonus.
Following the Christmas break, Littler is set to return to the oche for his third-round clash against Runcorn's Ian White.
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