“I actually hit a nine-darter within 20 minutes” – Luke Littler sends social media wild as new darts star in Bahrain demolition of Paul Lim

Luke Littler had barely had time to come down from his second straight world title before he was back on stage at the 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters. In Sakhir, the two time world champion showed that his hunger is far from satisfied. With a 6-1 win, backed up by a 106.5 average, against living legend Paul Lim, he booked his place in the quarter finals.

The first questions, inevitably, were about his new darts. Social media went into meltdown as soon as Littler walked on stage with a different set. Was it planned, or a spontaneous decision? “Obviously Gary from Target sent me the pictures a few months ago. There’s different colours coming out, but I said to Gary, the black and silver set for me. So he’s got them ready for this weekend. And so far, so good,” Littler explained.

That he used them in competition so quickly was partly down to chance. “Funny enough, we went to the bar the other day and had a chuck. With the new darts, I actually hit a nine-darter within the space of 20 to 25 minutes. So yeah, I thought I’d give them a go tonight and they went pretty well.”

Even so, Littler remains cautious. In the past he has tried different sets, only to return to his trusted Gen One darts. “Obviously every set of darts I use, I want to make them work. I always want to try and win games with them. Obviously in the past I’ve struggled and always gone back to the Gen Ones. But yeah, we’ll have to see what we can do tomorrow.”

Bahrain holds a special place in Littler’s still short but already remarkable career. It was here that he won his first major PDC title two years ago, shortly after stunning the sport by reaching the World Championship final at just 16. “Obviously, like I’ve said plenty of times, the World Championship holds a special place. It’s the biggest tournament. But for me, that was my first PDC tournament. And then my second PDC tournament was here in Bahrain where I got the victory.”

Returning to the same venue, now as back to back world champion, gave the event extra meaning. “People question if it means anything or if it’s just a bit of practice, but this is the start for us players to start off with the Premier League. You want to start off the year right with a title.”

Asked how it feels to now be introduced as back to back world champion, Littler said it has fully sunk in. “Yeah, it’s definitely sunk in. It feels good. Obviously walking on here, first time in Bahrain as back to back world champion. Last year was good, but this time around was that much sweeter.”

In the opening round, Littler faced Paul Lim, the legendary Singaporean who is 53 years older than him. The contrast could hardly have been bigger. “Obviously the World Championship would have been a different breed. The fans, he’s a fan favourite. But it was the same tonight. When he got his first leg, made it 1-1, I just had to kick on and get the win.”

On the light hearted question of whether we might see a 71 year old Littler still playing on the big stage in 53 years’ time, he was blunt. “Not a chance. I’ll say it now.”

He spoke with huge respect for Lim. “Paul’s doing well. He’s been doing well for many, many years. Obviously very good soft tip player and then he brings it over with the proper points. He’s just class. I wonder when he’s going to retire, but he’s still going very strong in the practice room as well.”

Littler often talks about the importance of his family and his girlfriend Faith, who travel with him whenever possible. But he also sees it in perspective. “Obviously it’s good to have your family there, especially your girlfriend. But I’ve been to a few tournaments without Faith. You’re there to do your job. You shouldn’t be worrying about who’s coming or not.”

He explained where his real focus lies. “As long as you’ve got your mum and dad, or just your dad, they’re the main priority. Some might think your girlfriend’s main priority, but at the end of the day you’re on stage on your own. It’s a lonely place up there whether you’re winning or losing, and you’ve just got to play your darts.”

Life as a top darts player is not just about trophies and bright lights. Travel is a huge part of it, and Littler is honest about how tough it can be. “It’s different to Australia. It’s not a nice flight. You’re sat in your seat for about 16 hours, even 24 hours to Dubai and then Dubai to wherever you’re flying. It’s not good.”

Still, he shrugs it off. “But it’s very easy to get over it. We’ll be back tomorrow.”

With his prize money total closing in on three million, the question of a private jet inevitably came up. Littler laughed it off. “Nah, probably not. You need to save your money. I can’t go splashing it now.”

Maybe one day, he allowed. “But who knows, in a few years’ time when I’ve hopefully earned a bit more, then I can maybe sort one out. Even just to go to a Euro Tour and see what it’s like.”

For now, though, he is sticking with the budget airlines. “Yeah. Ryanair is class, isn’t it?”