"I'd probably say I'm the man to beat": Luke Littler not shying away from favourite tag at World Darts Championship

Luke Littler made his full breakthrough at the World Darts Championship last year. 'The Nuke' immediately made it to the final on his debut, in which he lost 7-4 to Luke Humphries. This year all eyes are on him and he is seen as the top favorite for the world title.

Littler did not even have a Tour Card last year when he started the World Championships. There were some expectations of the then 16-year-old Englishman beforehand, but a final exceeded even his own wildest dreams. Meanwhile, after his first full year on the Pro Tour, he has climbed to fourth in the world rankings and has final victories in the Premier League Darts and the Grand Slam of Darts, among others, on his list of honors.

"Obviously it's very different. I'm fourth seed now but it's the same feeling coming into it. I'm ready to get on the stage with the fans. It's all looking forward to the draw today and looking who I can potentially play. Then obviously chill out towards the words," said Littler.

"I've grown in confidence and obviously my ability. Definitely playing a lot better than I did last year but it's all looking forward to that second round game now."

"I thought it was going to be once in a lifetime (playing at Ally Pally) but I've been playing so well that I'm back here again and it's one of the most iconic things you can do."

Littler and Luke Humphries are seen as the two top favorites for the upcoming World Cup, with Littler perhaps a little more so as the odds-on favorite.

"It would've been good to win last night as well as the Grand Slam. But obviously it was good for Luke (Humphries) to win after a not so great Grand Slam. But him winning it gives me and him the best confidence."

"We both can meet in the semi-finals and that's what everyone is looking at but we both have to win a few games so we can meet."

"I'd probably say I'm the man to beat on my recent performances. My scoring, my doubles but I just can't wait to get back on that stage."

Littler is exempt as the fourth seed in the first round of the World Championship, then he will take on the winner of the duel between Fallon Sherrock and Ryan Meikle.