Teenage sensation Luke Littler is taking aim at a major milestone, as he looks to become world No 1 before the conclusion of the Grand Slam of Darts. The defending champion has achieved remarkable success in just two years, including seven major titles, but one accolade has thus far eluded him.
Littler's meteoric rise from World Championship runner-up on debut as a qualifier to world champion is a testament to his skill and determination. Now, he's set his sights on the top spot, with current world No 1 Luke Humphries firmly in his crosshairs.
The 18-year-old has revolutionised darts, but one thing remains elusive: breaking into the world's number one ranking. Littler is aware that Humphries currently holds the position, but he believes he has what it takes to knock him off his perch.
"We're out of the groups now and I'm hoping to go on and defend the title," Littler said after completing his perfect group-stage campaign. "I know Luke [Humphries] is on the other side of the draw... but I've just got to keep plodding forward, and if I do get to the final then I'll be No 1."
Littler's strategy for the knockout stages is clear: he hopes that the longer format will bring out the best in his game. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will feature a best-of-31 contest, which Littler believes will give him the edge he needs to succeed.
"I hope I do perform better over the longer format," Littler added. "I'll put the practice in... I've always said I love coming on stage after a break. I know there will be two crucial breaks, but I think this is where they're going to see the best darts."
Littler's confidence is high, and he believes that his stomach for the fight will serve him well in the knockout stages. Sky Sports' Mark Webster agrees, saying that Littler has been comfortable in the best-of-nine format and knows how to battle back.
"Littler is craving the world No 1 spot and defending the title," Webster said. "Littler has been really comfortable in the best-of-nine format... I think he will have too much."
As the Grand Slam of Darts heats up, one thing is certain: Luke Littler is on a mission to become world No 1. Will he succeed? Only time will tell.
Littler's meteoric rise from World Championship runner-up on debut as a qualifier to world champion is a testament to his skill and determination. Now, he's set his sights on the top spot, with current world No 1 Luke Humphries firmly in his crosshairs.
The 18-year-old has revolutionised darts, but one thing remains elusive: breaking into the world's number one ranking. Littler is aware that Humphries currently holds the position, but he believes he has what it takes to knock him off his perch.
"We're out of the groups now and I'm hoping to go on and defend the title," Littler said after completing his perfect group-stage campaign. "I know Luke [Humphries] is on the other side of the draw... but I've just got to keep plodding forward, and if I do get to the final then I'll be No 1."
Littler's strategy for the knockout stages is clear: he hopes that the longer format will bring out the best in his game. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will feature a best-of-31 contest, which Littler believes will give him the edge he needs to succeed.
"I hope I do perform better over the longer format," Littler added. "I'll put the practice in... I've always said I love coming on stage after a break. I know there will be two crucial breaks, but I think this is where they're going to see the best darts."
Littler's confidence is high, and he believes that his stomach for the fight will serve him well in the knockout stages. Sky Sports' Mark Webster agrees, saying that Littler has been comfortable in the best-of-nine format and knows how to battle back.
"Littler is craving the world No 1 spot and defending the title," Webster said. "Littler has been really comfortable in the best-of-nine format... I think he will have too much."
As the Grand Slam of Darts heats up, one thing is certain: Luke Littler is on a mission to become world No 1. Will he succeed? Only time will tell.
He's come so far in just two years and now he's set his sights on the top spot 
. I think he's got what it takes to knock off current world No 1 Luke Humphries, but you never know what can happen in tournaments 
. The longer format might be just what Littler needs to showcase his skills though 
. If he can stay focused and composed under pressure, I think he could make a real push for that number one spot 
. It's going to be fascinating to watch him take on the best of the best in the Grand Slam of Darts 
!
18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler is gonna be the next big thing! I mean, 7 major titles in just 2 years? That's insane! 
He's gotta knock off current world No 1 Luke Humphries to get that number one spot tho. 
! He's got that fire in his belly and I love how confident he is about taking down the current number one, Luke Humphries 
. Sky Sports' Mark Webster seems to agree with me, saying Littler's got what it takes... Fingers crossed for Luke! 
. I mean, from qualifier to champ in just two years, that's what you call dedication! He's got the skills, he's got the confidence... now all he needs is a bit of luck 
. My prediction? He'll give it a good shot, but will it be enough to dethrone Humphries? Only time will tell 
.
i mean, 7 major titles in 2 yrs is def impressive but what about consistency? has he even had a bad tournament? and 31 legs? that's just gonna wear him out 
mark webster thinkin lukas is comfortable is sus too... dunno wut to make of this 
I gotta say, this kid's got game 
luke humphries better watch out though 
!
, and i have to say, i'm kinda with him on this one... the best-of-31 contest might just be where he shines brightest 
. and mark webster saying he'll have too much? yeah, i think that's a pretty fair bet 
. Breaking into that world number one spot won't be easy, but Littler seems to have what it takes 
. And honestly, who doesn't love an underdog story? 
- hes got skills n all but we'll c if he can pull off that no 1 spot 
- mark webster says he's comfy in best-of-nine format but what about when it gets really tough? 
. He's been doing alright so far, but breaking into the top spot won't be easy – there are a lot of talented players out there