Teenage darts star Luke Littler’s greatest pal has mentioned he has “worked hard” to achieve the semi-final of the World Darts Championship.
Eleanor Cairns, who has recognized the 16-year-old for 4 years and can be a darts participant, mentioned Littler has been busy making ready for his bouts at Alexandra Palace and “his performance obviously shows that he deserves to be up there”.
She informed Sky News: “I know he does a lot of practice for the competitions. Luke never really stops playing darts throughout the week either, so he’s definitely always throwing. It does take a lot, but I know he’s worked hard for it.”
Nicknamed “The Nuke”, Littler comfortably gained his quarter-final in opposition to 5-1 Brendan Dolan after storming right into a 4-0 lead at Alexandra Palace on Monday. He will face 2018 winner Rob Cross within the semi-final tonight.
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Ms Cairns mentioned: “It’s been incredible. It makes me so emotional. I know everyone’s going on about his age but what he’s achieved is just amazing.”
She mentioned Littler, from Warrington, has obtained a “natural throw” and confirmed pure expertise “from the start”, including: “His board management was there. He knew what everything was going for. He’s been incredible from the start.”
Asked how Littler could be feeling forward of the sport, Ms Cairns mentioned: “I know with Luke, sometimes he seems very calm on that stage. It’s like he says in his interviews, ‘it is what it is’ – if he wins or loses, he’s already made this great achievement now that he’s got his name out there.”
‘Take age out of it, stats do not lie’
Steve Brown, chair of the Junior Darts Corporation, mentioned Littler had “really cracked on” during the last 4 years and “it was quite obvious he was going to be a big talent”.
He mentioned: “I think he’s just obviously a very mature 16-year-old. He just understands the sport. I think he’s a student of the game. His board management is fantastic, for example.”
Asked if he would beat Cross tonight, Mr Brown mentioned: “Darts is a great sport. Take age out of it, stats don’t lie.
“Luke has positively obtained the sport to do it. I’m fairly certain that Luke will likely be on his A recreation tonight. His stats are ok to say that he can go all the best way.”
Source: information.sky.com”