"They said I weren't ready, now look where I am": Luke Littler silences Premier League Darts doubters with landmark debut

Luke Littler will play in the play-offs of the Premier League Darts later this evening at the O2. In front of 14,000 people, the rise of 'The Nuke' reaches another crescendo with the 17-year-old aiming to win the title on debut.

This after he topped the table on his debut and one where he certainly silenced any doubters who were discerning towards his Premier League pick and the toll that it would take on the teenager. But he has taken it in his stride and is ready for a big night.

"I just can't wait to play in front of another big crowd like I have done for the last 16 weeks. I was actually practicing with the people at the Maths thing (Bullseye Maths) before and I actually want to have a practice now for tomorrow. But I just can't wait to get going," said Littler.

"I'm just glad I got the call-up. You've seen it with myself in the Euro Tours and obviously Nathan (Aspinall), we're not happy about it. But that's our decision to play in the Euro Tour. The Premier League alone has been a great turnout and I'm just glad I topped the group no mind to qualify."

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But asked about the 14,000 people didn't really overawe Littler who said that it is just like other venues during the Premier League tour and that he wants to make it count. He said that he just wants to beat Michael Smith then relax ahead of the final. "It's just like Manchester, Berlin and Liverpool. It's all 10,000 plus but this is the one that matters, the trophy is on the line."

But it is a run that has seen Littler silence the doubters albeit still with a job to do. "They said I weren't ready, now look where I am. I haven't got the job done yet. But I've topped the table on debut as a 17-year-old."