LITTLER AIMS TO SILENCE DOUBTERS

LUKE LITTLER wants to win the Premier League to “send out a message” to those who doubted him.

The teen sensation takes on Michael Smith in the semi-finals tonight at the O2 in London. 

Littler, 17, has taken the tournament by storm by winning four nights on the way to topping the table on his debut. 

Now he aims to beat Smith on the way to a glory and face either Luke Humphries or Michael van Gerwen in the final.

He said: “I have topped the table but not gone all the way just yet. If I do go all the way, then there will be a big message for all those who doubted me.

“I have been enjoying it. There were doubters saying I wasn’t ready. The first half didn’t go well. The second half it has gone to plan, I finished topped, ended with four nightly wins. 

“The world final will be my best achievement until I actually win it. I turn up every week, win the first game, guarantee two points. I have said that for numerous weeks. They are long nights. I have got into the routine and that is why I ended up with four wins.”

Littler started slowly in the event but came alive after winning his first night in Belfast in late March. 

He added: “The first half of the season it wasn’t that good. Then I picked up my first nightly win and won Liverpool and Manchester. 

“Just for myself, I settled into it. With the crowd, if they want to boo me, I will always give it back to them. If I do lose, they will be happy about it. If I win, I will be happy about it.

“I am happy to be a part of it. This year Manchester sold out for the first time as well. We have had loads of other arenas that have sold out for the first time. Sold out on consecutive years. I am just happy to be a part of it as well.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.