''Ever since I’ve burst onto the scene, every player wants to beat me" - Luke Littler well aware his fame brings added motivation for opponents

A World Series title, a Pro Tour title and a Euro Tour title are now in Luke Littler's pocket, but a weekly title from the Premier League Darts is still missing from 'The Nuke's record.

Littler gets his seventh chance to win a weekly title on Thursday night in Nottingham. The 17-year-old Englishman will meet Michael van Gerwen in his opening match on Thursday night.

For now, the reigning junior world champion is performing strongly in his opening matches in this Premier League. Littler won five of his first six quarterfinals. “I’m really enjoying the Premier League,'' he confirmed in conversation with the PDC.

“It’s all about winning that first game and getting two points on the board, but hopefully I can win a night soon!'' said Littler, who is in a creditable third place after six rounds of play.

Littler notes that he is currently in the spotlight in full force. ''Ever since I’ve burst onto the scene, every player wants to beat me, so I’ve got to play my A-game. I know the spotlight is on me at the minute, but that's because I've done so well, so I will just play my darts and do what I do.”