Luke Littler has already changed tune after raising doubts for the future with his manager
Comment: Luke Littler has grown in confidence since the humble teenager rose to prominence at the World Darts Championship.
Luke Littler's confidence in his own ability has soared after a tremendous run in 2024. The 17-year-old speaks with a significant self-assurance that was not especially apparent in the immediate aftermath of his fairytale journey to the World Darts Championship final in January.
Littler qualified for the Premier League Darts with a remarkable run at Alexandra Palace, only to come unstuck against Luke Humphries in the final. However, since winning the Bahrain Masters and enjoying some excellent results in the Premier League, the darts sensation seems to finally realise he belongs on the same stage as the best players in the world.
In just over a month, Littler has come a long way from humbly insisting that he may never get the opportunity to play in the Premier League again. He told his manager that he wanted to play in the gruelling tournament, which runs every week until May, because another chance to do so might never emerge.
“It's unbelievable, no more development tour - this is it. Playing in the Premier League and comfortably in the [world's top] 32,” Littler said after his defeat against Humphries on January 3.
“As soon as I came off the stage, did the media and saw the family, my manager pulled me aside and said, 'do you want to do it?’ I said, ‘let's do it, it might not happen again.’”
Just a month later, Littler has joked that he is the most ‘talented’ player on the PDC Tour in a clear sign of his increased self-confidence. Asked who his most talented rival on tour is, Littler jokingly responded: “Myself.”
While the response was clearly meant in good humour, it shows Littler’s confidence is growing after a successful few months. He has come to realise that he is one of the best players in the world and has earned the right to be playing alongside darts’ biggest stars.
Littler defeated Michael van Gerwen to win 8-5 in Bahrain and has since beaten the three-time world champion in the Premier League. However, the Dutchman got revenge in the final on night two of the Premier League, winning 6-5 against the teenager in Berlin.
Speaking afterwards, Littler’s self-assurance was clear to see. He spoke about high-profile tournaments in Bahrain and the Netherlands being mere practice for the Premier League. It displayed a positive kind of arrogance that breeds elite athletes.
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"I am just happy with how I have been playing," Littler told PA. "The World Darts Championship was a big step up but I have proved I can play with the best and that is why I have got my shot in the Premier League.
"It was good to win [against Van Gerwen] on my debut [in Bahrain] and obviously become the youngest person to hit a nine-darter as well. But overall it was just match practice for the Premier League, as was Holland. Now we are kicking on with the Premier League. I know I have got the ability to beat the best."
It is evidence of a player finally realising his enormous talent.