For the first time in his remarkable run at the World Darts Championship, Luke Littler faced some adversity in his semi-final against Rob Cross.
2018 champion Cross took the opening set but it didn't faze the 16-year-old Littler. He came back to claim the next three, ultimately winning the match 6-2 to become the youngest ever player to reach a World Darts Championship final.
OUTRAGEOUS from Luke Littler 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NKbUgytQY3
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2024
"I don't think there's been anything difficult," said Littler about his six matches thus far in the tournament.
"I've lost the first set today and I've fought back and got over the line. I just pointed out to my family and my friends, it's only one set, it's only the first set. Rob missed 86 to go two up, maybe that would have changed things but I dug deep and won that set and also won the game.
"No disrespect, but I don't think anything has been difficult to me. I've had quite a few sets that where it went 3-2, 3-2, but I've just dug in."
5 years ago... 🔙
Your 2024 World Darts Championship Finalists 📷 pic.twitter.com/MZKAcj0Rkb
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2024
Littler's aim coming into the tournament had been to beat Christian Kist, earning him a spot in the post-Christmas second round. He did so 3-0 and then went on to beat Andrew Gilding 3-1, Matt Campbell 4-1, Raymond van Barneveld 4-1 and Brendan Dolan 5-1 before Tuesday's last-four match.
His preparation for Wednesday's final against pre-tournament favourite Luke Humphries will remain the same as previous rounds when he's played an evening match. He'll get up at midday, eat a ham and cheese omelette, then head for Alexandra Palace where he'll have a pizza before hitting the practice board.
Littler averaged 106 in his victory against Cross. It was the fourth match of the tournament in which his three-dart average has been over 100.
This leg 🔥
Rob Cross with SIX perfect darts but it's Luke Littler who extends his lead to 3-1! 😲 pic.twitter.com/gjGHBVFrgQ
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2024
Beyond his family, the teenager has had support from his home town of Warrington and also messages from current and former Manchester United players.
"You've got Matty Ashton and Josh Thewlis down from the Warrington Wolves (rugby League team)," said Littler.
"It was good to see them. I look up to them as well. I'm a Warrington fan, watched them week in, week out. It was good to have two lads down today from the club.
"I've had a message off Luke Shaw from Manchester United. Rio Ferdinand as well.
"I had a message off Gary Neville and Jonny Evans before my game against Barney. It's just crazy. People I've looked up to, people from my club, Manchester United, wishing me luck."
See Also: Ex-Darts World Champion Issues Warning To Media Over Coverage Of Luke Littler
