“I want to play everything,” Luke Littler said after winning the Bahrain Masters on Friday.
The 16-year-old has made an incredible rise in profile over the past few weeks, having previously enjoyed impressive results at the World Darts Championship.
Littler was unable to win that tournament, losing in the final to world number one Luke Humphries.
But he took home the glory with victory in Bahrain on Friday night, seeing off Michael van Gerwen.
Luke Littler celebrates after winning the Bahrain Masters on Friday
getty
Littler was playing in the Middle East less than two weeks after his loss to Humphries.
The game is fast-paced, with the youngster set to play in the Dutch Masters and Premier League in the coming weeks.
But despite concerns that he might suffer from burnout, Littler made it clear that he has no problem with his busy schedule.
“I want to play everything,” the 16-year-old said, and the teenager’s eyes lit up after the win in Bahrain.
Littler also revealed that he has not practiced darts since his loss to Humphries, but no one will believe him as a joke.
“I’m glad we won. We played well yesterday and we played well tonight,” he told ITV 4.
“No one will believe me, but I haven’t thrown a dart since the world finals.
“Michael is one of the best players and I’m happy that he won on his debut.
“This week has been unbelievable, so I’m happy to win.”
He continued, “We’re just taking it one game at a time, if we win, we win, and if we lose the next game, that’s the way 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 loss to Littler.
However, he warned his rival that after his defeat in Bahrain, he would be out for revenge the next time they met.
“It’s never a good week when you don’t win, but Luke put in a great performance,” he said.
“You get punished for what you didn’t do in the previous games, that’s how sports work.
Latest sports news:
Luke Littler further increased his fame by winning the Bahrain Masters.
getty
“Obviously I’m disappointed, but sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.
“I’ll get him, don’t worry.”
Van Gerwen also wants Littler to continue playing without pressure, which is becoming increasingly difficult given his huge ability.
“Everyone in the audience and on TV wants to make him bigger, but he’s already a good player,” he added.
“So, I understand you want to push him, but let him grow.
Luke Littler praised by Michael van Gerwen after winning Bahrain Masters
getty
“Let him do his thing. You have to learn, the audience has to learn, everyone in television has to learn.
“Don’t push him too hard. Of course we know he’s a good player.
“But give him time and everything will be fine, no problem.”