Laid-back Luke Littler says he’s sleeping like a baby as he dreams of World glory. And the teenage sensation is adamant he will right the wrongs of last year’s loss to Luke Humphries as he aims to carve his name into folklore.
Littler is chilled and losing no kip ahead of his showdown with Michael Van Gerwen. He could become the youngster-ever PDC champ at just 17, but said: “Every night before I do play a game I’ve slept, I’ve slept well, whereas last year I wasn’t sleeping at all because I was just ready for the next game. But this year it’s a lot different. As soon as I knew back-to-back finals, it’s just chill out, reset the batteries and go again.
“I think everyone else is looking forward to it more than I am. “Michael, he’s been in numerous finals. This is my second. I know where I went wrong last year and I’m sure I’ll fix it. It’s the stuff of dreams, every kid, every adult, they want to pick up the trophy, but you’ve got to be at the top of your game to do it. I won’t sit and say I’m gonna pick up the trophy. If I win seven sets I’ll be happy. It would mean everything. I’ll be over the moon.
“I can tell you now, I’ve got no pressure, I’m sure Michael would have said the same. I’m just going to enjoy it and if we can get off to a quick start winning the first set, I’ll be happy. But if I don’t then I’ll come back on and switch things up and make it right. I knew coming back after Christmas, just don’t feel that pressure again and I didn’t. I’ve won plenty of more games since the Ryan Meikle game, I’ve just settled. I can’t wait to get on stage again.”
Van Gerwen is pumped, but Littler isn’t fazed and said: “Obviously he’s not won it for numerous years and he’ll be very up for it, so will I. It would be massive for myself, but if I played Chris Dobey in the final, it would still be massive.
“Obviously when he’s hunting for his fourth title and I’m hunting for my first. It has been a while since Michael picked up the trophy, so I know he’s going to be up for it and I certainly am.
“I think everyone doubted Michael a lot. I think the limelight was just on me and Luke Humphries. People will say he’s come through an easy draw, but nothing’s easy in the World Championships. He’s been tested, I’ve been tested, so I’m sure we’ll both test each other.
“I’ve not seen the numbers he’s put in or the double percentages, so I’m not sure if he is back or not. But I’m sure he’ll be full of confidence, same as me. Whatever he does, that’s what he does, he’s been around for the game for years and years and I’m sure he won’t change for anyone.”
Life is very different for Littler these days compared to 12 months. He admits things have changed career wise, even if he won’t as a person. The kid, who admitted he hasn’t touched the trophy in promo events or media work and won’t until he wins it, said: “I don’t know if I have grown throughout the year.
“I’ve just been the same, this is how I’ll always be. I don’t need to change for no one. It’s very different because of what I’ve accomplished last year. It’s massive. But the amount of darts you play all year round, you don’t really think about it.
“Obviously when I’m at home, I know what I’ve done, I know what I’ve done for my family as well, but it’s all about the darts game.”