Luke Littler's incredible rise continues as he followed up a nine-dart finish with victory on his Players Championship debut on Monday taking the first event of the 2024 season in a stunning final.
LIttler averaged 109 to Ryan Searle's staggering 111 as he took it in a deciding leg 8-7. He is only the third player to win a title on his ProTour debut and showed that he can do it on the floor as he can on the stage.
He has now set his sights in particular on a Blackpool debut with the 17-year-old saying post final that him and his manager Martin Foulds said that they have around 13 events to do it. Also the World Grand Prix is also there in their sights and given that he has already won one tournament and likely will do well at least in further ProTours, he has taken the first giant leap towards achieving both. Also in an ominous sign of sorts, he admitted that it has now taken the pressure off and he has even more freedom to play his game after winning his first ranking title.
“I know my game is there, I know I can beat anyone, and I’m really happy to have won,” said Littler. ''Me and my manager know what I have to do to qualify for the World Matchplay and the World Grand Prix.
“I’ve got about 13 or 14 ProTours before the World Matchplay, but it’s always good to get off to a good start. I want to try and qualify for everything and I’ve just got to play my game. I’m taking it in my stride. It takes huge pressure off me, and now hopefully I can settle and enjoy it.”
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