Dave Chisnall has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to play a part in Luke Littler's fledgling darts career.
Chisnall says he was advised to sponsor the youngster when he was just 12 years old but instead decided to put full focus on himself.
Littler became a household name during his run at the World Darts Championship in December and early January.
At just 16 years of age, he beat former champions Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross on his way to a final defeat against Luke Humphries.
Dave Chisnall rejected the chance to sponsor Luke Littler
PA
Littler proved his performances at Ally Pally were not a one-off when he won his first professional title at the Bahrain Masters.
He hit a nine-darter in the quarter-final of that tournament before reaching the final of the Dutch Darts Masters a week later.
He lost to Michael van Gerwen on that occasion but his name in the sport has only continued to grow.
Littler was named as a wildcard in the Premier League and beat Humphries on the opening night last Thursday.
Chisnall is yet to play Littler on the professional tour but has revealed that he has known him for several years.
The 43-year-old says he was told by his brother that he should sponsor Littler when he was just 12.
However, Chisnall insists he rejected the chance because he was concentrating on his own career.
Asked if Littler has inspired him, Chisnall said: "He's not really inspired me. I've known Luke for a long time, my brother said to me 'you should sponsor him', when he was 12, 11.
"I said 'Nah, I'm all for myself, I want to concentrate on my own career.'
"But fair play to Luke, you know, he's a special player, but we can all do it. If we all put our A-game in, we can all do what he does. So, yeah, I'm not worried anyway!"
Littler has taken everything in his stride so far and has not been overawed by the big stage.
He pulled out of a youth final at the weekend as he attempts to put everything into his preparation for the professional tour.
Littler heads to Berlin this week for the second night of the Premier League on Thursday.
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Dave Chisnall says he wanted to focus on his career rather than sponsor Luke Littler
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Ahead of the tournament, Humphries insisted his fellow players must look out for Littler.
Humphries said: "Luke’s the star of the show at the moment and that’s just the way it is.
"It’s important that all of the players look after him and no one takes advantage of him or use him too much, because that will happen in life - people will want to use him because of his popularity and stature.
"But all the players will look after him and make sure none of that happens. He’s a great kid and he’s got a bright future - and so have I."
Luke Littler has taken everything in his stride so far
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Littler thanked Humphries for his support but insisted he will be able to cope by himself.
He responded: "I am grateful for what Luke has said. But I know what’s in line, I know I can handle it all myself."
