Cam Crabtree praised for how he responded to beating Luke Littler at World Youth Championship

Cam Crabtree has gained plenty of new fans after the world number 68 booked his place in next month's World Youth Championship final with a 6-5 win over Luke Littler.

It was an afternoon to remember for Crabtree, who will face Germany's Jan Schmidt in the WYC final on November 22 after winning a 16-dart deciding leg to knock out overwhelming favourite Littler.

The 23-year-old, who is currently in the second year of his PDC tour card, celebrated the victory with a trip to Nando's. He also took to social media to share his reaction to knocking out 'The Nuke'.

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Shortly after reaching the final, he wrote: "My phone has just turned on, how’s everyone’s Monday been?"

Crabtree went on to praise Littler in a classy post. "In all seriousness, Luke is the best in the world and to beat him to make the final is such an achievement for myself," he wrote. "Can’t wait for the Grand Slam and the final, but for now I’m really pleased with today."

The highly-rated thrower, from London, would then react to being one of only two players to beat Luke Humphries and Littler in knockout matches this year, with Gerwyn Price being the only other.

He simply wrote: "Pretty cool."

Luke Littler's World Youth Championship defeat denies him unprecedented appearance

The World Youth Championship final is traditionally played at the same venue as the Players Championship Finals, which also take place in November.

Littler lost to Beau Greaves in the semi-final of the World Youth Championship in 2025, denying him the rare opportunity to effectively play in two tournaments at once.

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This time around, 'The Nuke' is set to miss the Players Championship Finals, having opted against playing in the majority of the regular Players Championship events this year to reduce his schedule.

The prospect of Littler competing in a youth tournament while the likes of Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall battle it out in the senior event will therefore not become a reality.

The reigning two-time world champion could still play in the Players Championship Finals, but would need to participate in the final two qualifying events later this month and realistically win one and finish as runner-up in the other.