WRIGHT: WE WON’T ‘BABYSIT’ LITTLER

PETER WRIGHT has insisted that Luke Littler shouldn’t be “babysat” in the cut-throat Premier League. 

The two-time world champion vowed that the 17-year-old wonderkid will be not be given any favours when it kicks off tonight (Thursday) in Cardiff.

Wright, 53, starts his campaign against Rob Cross on the back of a difficult run of form and yet admits he has been spurred on by the new kid. 

He said: “He’s 17 it was his choice and his manager to come into the Premier League. 

“So no there should be no arm around anyone. Obviously Luke Humphries is not going to get it even though it is his first Premier League.

“As soon as he starts getting beaten up on the floor and the Premier League, no one is going to hold him and make sure he’s alright. 

“I don’t think Luke Littler should be babysat. You are into the hardest darts thing you can play in, so he’s got to deal with it.

“Luke has inspired me and what he’s done for the game, all the press, sponsors. It’s fantastic for the darts.

“It’s also fantastic for all the young players to be inspired. You haven’t got to be 50-years-old to go and be a world champion. It’s given belief for kids.”

Wright’s form over the past year – apart from a European Championship win – has been way below his usual high standards. 

But he admits he is fired-up to be dismissed as a threat to win his first Premier League. 

He added: “The hunger is there more than ever. The last couple of years I’ve just been turning up like a zombie and going through the motions. Obviously I had stuff going on back at home. 

“I could have quite easily said I’m not going to play anymore after the Worlds, I could have retired and finished. 

“The only place I am going is up. I like when I’m being written off, I always have done. 

“I’ve got to start again, the slate is clean. I’m going to stick with the same set of darts all year. I’ve changed my position on the oche where I stand. So it’s all a new toy that I’m playing with. 

“I’m looking forward to it, hopefully you’ll see a different Snakebite up there playing and hopefully get a few results.

“I feel fresh and up for it. I’m treating it like it’s my first Premier League. I’m ready for it. 

“The players get harder but it gets easier with experience going to the stadiums. I know how the crowds are and what’s what. 

“I wouldn’t be bothered if I hadn’t won the Premier League when I retire. To just be a part of it is an achievement in itself. This is my 11th and it’s special. 

“I’d love to win it but we’ve all got to beat Michael van Gerwen. He’s the man, not the Lukes.

“My trousers with the skulls on, this is how Luke Humphries and Luke Littler will look after 10 weeks, never mind 17 weeks. 

“By the time they are playing ProTours, Europeans, they are already complaining and they’ve only been to two competitions!”

Images by Taylor Lanning.