Luke Littler has told his future opponents to "be scared" after his World Darts Championship defeat to Luke Humphries.
The 16-year-old was beaten 7-4 by the new world No 1 to end his incredible Alexandra Palace journey at the final hurdle.
In front of an adoring Ally Pally Crowd, Littler led 4-2 and missed a glorious chance to go into a 5-2 lead.
Humphries made him pay and stormed back to win five sets in a row and win the tournament for the first time, his fourth major victory in three months.
Luke Littler has fired a warning to future opponents
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Littler has moved into the top 32 of the PDC Order of Merit and is set to have a busy 2024 on the Pro Tour and European Tour.
It remains to be seen if Littler will earn a place in the Premier League, which begins on February 1.
But he has sent a warning to his fellow darts stars that he is here to stay.
Speaking after Wednesday's loss, Littler said: "If they want to be scared, then they can be scared.
"But like I've said the whole tournament I've just got to beat what's in front of me.
"I didn't do that tonight so I'll go back home and get ready for the tour this year.”
Littler was unknown among casual darts fans before the tournament began in the middle of December.
But victories over the likes of Andrew Gilding, Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross have seen him become a household name.
Littler admits he is a different person to just a few weeks ago.
He said: "It's changed me a lot. Obviously, I've broken into the top 32 and I've got a bit of money now so everything is just going to help me.
"So getting into the top 32 is definitely going to help me qualify for near enough every tournament of the year."
Littler is looking forward to what 2024 will bring despite suffering disappointment last night.
He added: "Even though it's a losing start to the year, it's a good start to the year.
"I can only take positives from this game and maybe hold a few of my own legs.
"I don't really know what Luke averaged, I was over 101 myself, so I knew it was a good game but averages don't mean anything in darts.
"You see people averaging lower than another opponent and they get over the line."
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Luke Littler came runner-up in the World Darts Championship final
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Despite defeat, Humphries is convinced that Littler is a future world champion.
He said: "My dream was to be world champion and I had to spoil the party but he will be a world champion and if he doesn't I'll be very, very shocked.
"He has grown darts bigger than anybody could have imagined and what a way he carried himself. He has got a fantastic attitude and he has got a good family behind him.
"He has got a massive, massive future ahead of him.
Luke Humphries won the World Darts Championship for the first time
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"That was the world final for a 16-year-old. To put in a performance like that, if he wouldn't have played well we'd have all forgiven him.
"He was unbelievable. I've got no superlatives to describe how good he is."
