Luke Littler, who lost the World Darts Championship final, has said his journey in the competition has been “crazy” and “hopes to get back to reality” – as he admitted only training for “half an hour a day”.
The 16-year-old, who took the tournament by storm, said his time in the competition has been “unbelievable,” adding, “getting to the final was the bigger bonus”.
When asked by reporters how long he trains every day, Littler said between 30 and 45 minutes a day, as any more “gets boring” – as he trains on his own.
He joked, there “must be a lot of natural talent, [because I] don’t practice”.
And passing advice to anyone trying to succeed in the game, Littler said: “Just keep at it. If you love the game. Keep at it, make friends, and stick to the board.”
Littler also reaffirmed darts “is a sport” – and said his “rollercoaster” journey has seen him receive messages from players from his favourite football team, Manchester United.
“I’ve just got to get on with it. You have just got to get used to it all,” Littler said.
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The teen, who lost in the final at Alexandra Palace to world number one Luke Humphries on Wednesday night, added he was looking forward to getting back to reality and would “chill out” and have some “private time” with his family.
Littler said he enjoyed the whole experience from the very first game to the chants of “there’s only one Luke Littler”
“The Nuke” Littler congratulated 28-year-old world champion Humphries saying he “deserved it” as the “better man on the night”.
The teenager was on course for a spectacular victory commanding a 4-2 lead over Humphries, but the world number one fought back to win 7-4, claiming the title along with £500,000 in winnings.
Despite his defeat, life will change for the young darts player, who pocketed a £200,000 prize for finishing second and has got even more earning power owing to his celebrity status.
The line-up for the Premier League is released on Thursday – and Littler could be among those chosen.
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