Luke Littler sends clear message about gruelling darts schedule after winning Bahrain Masters

Luke Littler sends clear message about gruelling darts schedule after winning Bahrain Masters

WATCH NOW: Luke Littler reacts to nine-darter after winning Bahrain Masters

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 20/01/2024

- 09:16

The 16-year-old won the prize on Friday

Luke Littler said he wants to 'play everything' after winning the Bahrain Masters on Friday.

The 16-year-old has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence over the past few weeks, having previously dazzled at the World Darts Championship.


Littler was unable to win that tournament, losing to world No 1 Luke Humphries in the final.

However, he triumphed in Bahrain on Friday night after seeing off Michael van Gerwen to claim glory.

Luke Littler

Luke Littler was jubilant after winning the Bahrain Masters on Friday

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Littler was playing in the Middle East less than a fortnight on from his defeat to Humphries.

The matches are coming thick and fast, too, with the youngster due to play in the Dutch Masters and Premier League in the next few weeks.

But Littler has made it clear he's fine with the busy schedule, despite fears he could be burned out.

The 16-year-old said he 'wants to play everything', with the teenager beaming in the wake of his victory in Bahrain.

Littler also revealed he's not practised darts since his defeat to Humphries, something he jokes nobody will believe him about.

"I'm happy to win, I played well yesterday and I've played well again tonight," he told ITV 4.

"No one probably believes me but I've not thrown a dart since the world final.

"Michael is one of the very best and I'm happy to win on my debut.

"It's been unbelievable this week and I'm happy to come out as the winner."

He continued: "I just take it game by game, if I win, I win, if I lose my next game, it is what it is.

"But I don't think about losing, I only think about winning."

As for Van Gerwen, the Dutchman was full of class despite his defeat to Littler.

But he's warned his rival that he'll be out for revenge the next time they meet after being beaten in Bahrain.

"It's never going to be a good week when I'm not winning but Luke had a fantastic performance," he said.

"I couldn't produce what I produced in the earlier games and you get punished and that's the way sport works.

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Luke Littler

Luke Littler continued his stunning rise to prominence by winning the Bahrain Masters

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"Of course I'm disappointed but you win some, you lose some.

"I'll get him, don't worry."

Van Gerwen also wants Littler to continue to play without any pressure, something that's getting harder and harder given his huge ability.

"The crowd, the television, everyone wants to make him bigger, but he's already a good player," he added.

"So I know you'll want to push him, but let him grow.

Michael van Gerwen

Luke Littler was hailed by Michael van Gerwen after winning the Bahrain Masters

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"Let him do his own thing. You have to learn, the crowd has to learn, and everyone involved with television has to learn.

"Don't push him too much. Of course we know he's a good player.

"But give him time, and everything will come, no problem."

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