World Darts Championship crowd create six-word Luke Littler chant as 16-year-old steals the show
Luke Littler became an instant fan favourite at Ally Pally
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Luke Littler may only be 16 years of age and made a memorable World Darts Championship debut on Wednesday evening, but he's already got the Alexandra Palace singing to his tune.
The teenage darts sensation has been tipped for a bright future in the sport for several years now after qualifying for the WDF World Darts Championship at the age of 14.
He's already won a host of events at such a young age, but he stepped into the limelight on Thursday for his hotly-anticipated debut at the PDC World Championships.
Littler came up against experienced pro Christian Kist, who won the BDO world title back in 2012.
LUDICROUS FROM LITTLER 🤯
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 20, 2023
106.12 average ✅
7️⃣ x 180s
50% on the doubles 🎯
A truly ridiculous performance on debut from 16-year-old Luke Littler as he beats Christian Kist 3-0!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/WioSlPaxYq
Alexandra Palace can be a daunting venue for any player making their tournament debut and Littler appeared to take in the moment as he walked onto the stage for the first time.
But he wasted no time in settling into a rhythm by winning all three opening legs to take the first set with an average of 110.
He never looked back from that moment as Littler wrapped up a memorable evening to progress to the second round after scoring seven 180s in the match.
The Alexandra Palace crowd were on their feet and soon serenaded Littler on the stage who was enjoying the moment.
Chants of "You've got school in the morning" bounced around the Alexandra Palace with Littler even joining in.
The teenage sensation admitted afterward that he felt some nerves as he made his way up to the oche before paying tribute to his childhood idol Phil Taylor.
"I’m over the moon,” he said. "My debut, my first game, and I can't believe how quickly I settled into the game.
“When I was walking on I felt a bit nervous but as soon as I found the rhythm, I was in.
Luke Littler lapped up the applause from the crowd
PA
"I was 2-1 up and then if I did miss and Christian took it, I had the darts for the final leg.
"I always fancy myself for a last leg but it was good to do it then.
"It’s got to be at the top [of my best career moments].
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Luke Littler finished with seven 180s
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"I've been playing since I was 18 months old, obviously looking up to Phil Taylor. I know he's watching - that's for you, Phil!”