Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn has sent a warning to Luke Littler after seeing what fellow darts star Michael van Gerwen did at his age.
Hearn has witnessed generations of darts players emerge after acquiring a majority share in the PDC through his Matchroom Sport company in 2001.
The 75-year-old initially made his name in snooker, first as a promoter and then as the manager of legendary six-time world champion Steve Davis.
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Hearn has lessened his involvement in both sports in recent years, with son Eddie now chairman of both Matchroom Sport and the PDC.
But he still takes an active role in following darts, and has witnessed 17-year-old Littler's progress from Development Tour star to stardom on the Pro Tour.
After his stunning run to the 2024 World Championship final, where he lost 7-4 to Luke Humphries, Littler went on to win the Bahrain Darts Masters and Belgian Darts Open titles. Last month, he won his first night of Premier League darts.
'The Nuke' has significantly increased public interest in darts through his rapid rise, and is arguably now the most recognisable player in the sport across the country.
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One of his biggest rivals is Van Gerwen, who was 25 when he won his first of three World Championships in 2014.
'Mighty Mike' is perhaps the most naturally talented player in darts history when at his absolute best, and won the BDO World Masters at the age of just 17 in 2006.
The Dutchman then moved over to the PDC, but it took him until 2012 to win his first major title as he initially struggled for consistent form.
And speaking to Piers Morgan on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored', Hearn says Littler needs to be wary of one thing at his age.
He explained: "I don't know him well, but I get to know probably thousands of athletes in my career.
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"Winning the World Championship, it might take him another year.
"I've seen players like Michael van Gerwen, at his age, do similar things, amazing things. And it was followed by two or three years when Michael van Gerwen couldn't win an argument.
"I think Luke Littler is more balanced and more settled than Michael was, domestically and on the stage.
"But it's still a big obstacle to overcome - that marathon of all sports. Forget everything else - the Darts World Championships is a real mental test. It's 17, probably going up to 20 days this year."
Featured Image Credit: Piers Morgan Uncensored / Getty / Sky Sports/YouTubeTopics:ย Darts, Luke Littler, Premier League, Eddie Hearn