LUKE LITTLER kicks off the New Year just THREE GAMES away from possibly becoming the youngest world darts champion in history.

He wrapped up a stellar first year in professional sports with a thrilling 4-3 win against Ryan Joyce, culminating in a dramatic final match as we enter 2024.

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Nonetheless, 2025 may prove even more extraordinary if he captures the Sid Waddell Trophy this Friday night.

At only 17 years old, he has his sights set on making history as the youngest champion, a remarkable achievement.

Nathan Aspinall, his forthcoming rival, will undoubtedly challenge him in the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day, yet Littler is riding high on momentum.

After his triumph over Joyce, Littler shared, “Honestly, I’m not sure how I pulled that off. I told Ryan he was hitting everything against me.

“I broke Ryan in the first set, but he replied right away. I managed to break him again, making it 2-2.

“All I wanted was for him to miss! I had multiple chances at the doubles while Ryan wasn’t scoring as heavily. I’m thrilled with the victory.

“Nerves were not a factor; it was all about adrenaline. In the final leg, I focused on holding my composure. It shows I can hit double 12.”

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“I didn’t conclude the year with five nine-darters, but I aim to start the New Year strong and score a nine for everyone.

“Nathan and I have clashed many times in the Premier League. I’ll take a moment to unwind now and gear up for New Year’s Day.”

Luke Littler celebrates after defeating Ian White to reach the PDC World Championship last 16

“I really want to kick off the year with a victory against Nathan.”

Littler was deep in sleep when his closest rival, world No.1 Luke Humphries, was taken down by Snakebite Peter Wright on Sunday night.

He learned the shocking news upon checking scores on his phone at 1:30 am.

The Warrington star knows that “all eyes” are now on him, and the pressure is mounting – especially since bookmakers view him as the leading contender for the title.

In response to the increased interest, the PDC has implemented greater security during his matches, deploying three guards instead of the usual two to prevent anyone from approaching him or his opponent.

Despite this, the crowd’s excitement remained undiminished – they chanted his name and treated him like a celebrity.

Big Geordie Joyce, 39, known as Relentless, often showcases Tetris shapes on his flights, but it was the younger contender who opened the match with fervor.

In just seven minutes, Littler secured the first set with an impressive 93.27 average.

However, a fierce competition ensued, with Joyce leveling the score by delivering a 116 in leg five of the second set.

Littler showcased his skill with a 108 average in set three, revving up the excitement with a 66 finish, yet he soon faced frustration again as Joyce equalized at 2-2.

The No.4 seed returned early from the TV break for practice throws, creating anticipation for the ongoing match.

World No.33 Joyce started strong with a 117, but Littler’s 104 average buoyed his spirits, enabling him to celebrate a win in set five.

After narrowly missing a match dart on double top, Joyce hit a pivotal double 16, stretching the match to a seventh-set decider – a first for him at Ally Pally.

Littler, who started set seven with a flawless six darts, clinched victory on double 12 with his fourth match dart, registering an extraordinary final-set average of 110.89.

Any regret lies in the fact that Littler did not finish the year with a record-setting fifth nine-darter, which he aspired to achieve.

Perhaps he will reserve that spectacular achievement for later stages of the tournament.

Happy New Year, Mr. Littler.

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