"We've both done a lot at 16 years of age, I'm breaking records": Luke Littler responds to Van Gerwen comparison after Gilding win
PDCFriday, 22 December 2023 at 10:00
Albeit not as spectacular as his Christian Kist win, Luke Littler continues to produce the sublime on the PDC World Darts Championship stage. This time by dumping out UK Open champion, Andrew Gilding.
The 16-year-old prodigy was heavily touted and gained thousands of social media followers overnight, but kept his eyes firmly on the prize. He also admits post match that he saw a big opportunity with James Wade losing as he faces Matt Campbell instead for a spot in the Last 16 after Christmas.
"I'm glad I'm coming back after Christmas. Obviously I'm facing Matt Campbell, as soon as he beat Wadey my eyes lit up because of the draw but I had to get past Christian (Kist), Andrew (Gilding) and now I'm coming back after Christmas to face Matt," he said post match.
One facet of his run has been comparisons to Michael van Gerwen, despite the Dutchman catching light later in his career after being a dominant teen winning the World Masters. He is flattered though by this comparison.
"Obviously people do compare me to Michael (van Gerwen). They do see what he's done and what I've done and we've both done a lot at 16 years of age. I'm breaking records and it's good to know that people are talking about me and comparing me to my idols."
He was also asked about how his mannerisms are also similar and said he is trying his best to help the 180 effort for Prostate Cancer with title sponsors Paddy Power. "I always point my finger to the crowd whenever I hit a 180 as they love a 180 and I know what Paddy Power are doing with Prostate Cancer with the 180's so I'm trying to hit as many as I can."
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