Luke Littler's performance at the World Darts Championship led to fellow player Steve Lennon losing his PDC Tour Card.
Lennon has now opened up on the 'devastation' he felt after the 16-year-old's rise to stardom proved costly.
Littler broke a host of records to become the youngest darts player to reach a World Championship final.
Despite defeat to Luke Humphries, he has now become a household name and has gained more Instagram followers than any other player on the circuit.
Luke Littler's performance saw Steve Lennon lose his Tour Card
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Irish star Lennon lost in the second round at Alexandra Palace to Jonny Clayton.
He was still expected to keep his PDC Tour Card but for a miracle performance from Littler.
Littler stormed through the pack to move into the top 32 of the PDC Order of Merit, with Lennon dropping down to 66th and losing his card.
Lennon has already won it back at the first time of asking, succeeding at the 2024 Qualifying Schools in Milton Keynes on Thursday.
The 30-year-old, who only competed at the tournament due to Littler's success, won four matches on day one.
Lennon admits it has been a tough couple of weeks but hopes it kicks him into having a good 2024.
He said: "It was very stressful.
"This has taught me I need to change my mindset a bit as coming in here you feel a bit like you have to win this out to get your Tour Card so I had that mindset to beat everyone in front of me no matter what.
"It seemed to work so I need to bring that form onto the Pro Tour."
Lennon won his Tour Card back with a 6-4 win over William Borland in Thursday's Q School final after earlier victories over Matthew Dennant, Justin Hood and George Killington.
He has since spoken on Littler, revealing the pain he felt when he lost his Tour Card.
However, Lennon has also paid tribute to the teenager who he believes has well and truly put darts on the map.
Lennon added: "I was kind of devastated. But you also have to put your hands up and say he played some amazing darts.
"What he's doing for darts is like what Drive to Survive did for Formula 1.
"He's playing some serious stuff so you can't knock it."
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Steve Lennon lost his Tour Card due to Luke Littler's performances
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Lennon is hopeful that the setback will help him mentally in the future.
He said: "I'm coming into this not having to defend anything.
"Dropped off back to zero for Matchplay, World Grand Prix, but I think the fact I don't have to defend anything could mean a different mindset."
Meanwhile, Littler is preparing for his first appearance in the Premier League.
He was selected as one of the four wildcards for the tournament that starts on February 1.
Steve Lennon won his Tour Card back at Qualifying School this week
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Littler is excited to get started, telling Sky Sports News: "It's unbelievable.
"No more development tour. This is it. Playing in the Premier League and comfortably in the (world's top) 32."
