Luke Littler Claims World Grand Prix Title, Eyes Number One Spot

Luke Littler has emphatically declared “this is my time” after securing victory at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. The 18-year-old darting prodigy dominated the final, defeating his rival Luke Humphries with a commanding score of 6-1. This triumph marks Littler’s fourth major title of the year, adding to his achievements at the World Championship, UK Open, and World Matchplay.

With this latest victory, Littler is inching closer to the coveted world number one ranking. Humphries must now defend a significant amount of prize money accrued from his previous wins, particularly from the Grand Prix, the Players Championships, and the World Championship. “This is my time and I’ve just got to keep going,” Littler stated during a press conference, emphasizing his ambition and relentless drive.

Littler acknowledged the narrow gap between himself and the top position, noting he is only £70,000 behind Humphries in prize money. “I don’t want to think about it too much, but I could be world number one before that World Championship,” he added, highlighting his determination to put pressure on Humphries as the season progresses.

Aiming for a Complete Set of Titles

The young star is not just focused on the world number one ranking; he is also on the verge of completing a full set of major titles. To achieve this, he must win the European Championship, the Players Championships, and the World Masters. Following his Grand Prix win, Littler celebrated by participating in the World Youth Championship, a tournament he previously won two years ago to earn his spot in the World Championship.

The preliminary rounds of the World Youth Championship are being held in Wigan, and Littler remains eligible to compete until he turns 23. His impressive track record and youthful exuberance position him as a formidable contender in the sport.

As the darts community watches closely, Littler’s journey to the pinnacle of the sport is not just about titles but also about establishing his legacy. With his sights set firmly on the future, the young athlete is poised to make waves in the coming months.