Luke Littler bids for back-to-back titles at Dutch Masters

Luke Littler says it feels as if the “world has gone mad” as he bids to continue his rapid rise by claiming back-to-back World Series titles at the Dutch Masters this weekend.

Littler, who turned 17 last Sunday, shot to prominence at the World Darts Championship earlier this month as he reached the final on his debut.

He followed that up by winning his first PDC senior title at the Bahrain Masters on 19 January.

“I was happy to win it,” Littler said.

“It was a good experience. It was different to Ally Pally – you could hear everything in the crowd.

“It was good to see so many youngsters at the live draw.

“Eight of us [seeded players] took pictures and signed autographs. The world has gone mad.”

Littler, who is a Manchester United fan, met the players and manager Erik ten Hag at their Carrington training ground earlier this week, also playing darts against Christian Eriksen and Harry Maguire., external

While Littler lost to world number one Luke Humphries at the World Darts Championship, he put that behind him by recording victories over three of the world’s top five ranked players – including Michael van Gerwen in the final – to claim the Bahrain title.

“I didn’t expect to beat those players,” he added. “I know I have got my own ability and I believe in my ability and that is what gets me over the line.”