Luke Littler raises fears PDC will 'keep me out' as darts sensation faces challenging blockade

Luke Littler raises fears PDC will 'keep me out' as darts sensation faces challenging blockade

Watch now: Luke Littler speaks after his win

Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 02/01/2024

- 15:53

Luke Littler is just two wins away from creating even more sporting history and winning the PDC World Darts Championship.

Luke Littler doesn't expect the PDC to let him compete in the Darts Premier League to try and stop him from burning out early in his career.

The 16-year-old's dream run at the World Darts Championship has seen him jump into the world top 64 and has already secured a Tour Card for the next two years.


His sensational run to the semi-finals has seen rumours that Littler could even be given an invite to the Premier League.

However, Littler doesn't think he'll get invited as he feels there are others who are more deserving.

Luke Littler could be given an invite into the Premier League

Luke Littler could be given an invite into the Premier League

PA

"I've seen what the Premier League does [for your profile]," he said.

"You have Monday, Tuesday pro tours, and then Wednesday is the Euro qualifiers and you've got the Premier League. The weekend is the Euro Tour.

"I think the PDC are going to keep me out of it, because that will just be gruelling like everyone has said.

"If I do get picked I do, if I don't, then I am not expecting it.

"I didn't expect to get to the semi-finals, look at other some of the other pros, this is my first major, they deserve it more than me."

Former English darts star Paul Nicholson feels the PDC will have no choice but to give Littler a place in the Premier League if the teenager goes all the way and wins the World Championship.

But if Littler fails to win then Nicholson believes Littler's best move will be to stay out of the Premier League.

He told Sporting Life: "I go back to words said in 2017 when Phil Taylor was about to retire before the final.

Luke Littler is just two games away from winning the World Championship

Luke Littler is just two games away from winning the World Championship

PA

"What if he wins the tournament and the world champion is not in the Premier League?

"I've remembered that line because if Littler is not allowed to play in the Premier League, then you may have a situation where the world champion is not in it.

"If he wins the world title and lifts the trophy, then he has to be in the Premier League. It's as simple as that.

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"If he doesn't win it then it's in his best interests not to be included. He'd still have an awful lot of money to start his professional career in February.

"He should take January off, get himself rested after what's been an incredibly tiring year for him.

"He's played a lot of darts. Go on holiday, spend some time with family, Do what you want, come back fresh in February, start your pro career at the age of 17.

"But for him to be in the Premier League, I feel he's got to win it."

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