Nathan Aspinall has recalled confronting Luke Littler's dad after hearing what he said to his 12-year-old son at a darts tournament in Chester.
Aspinall, who is a close friend of Littler's, has previously given an insight into his relationship with the teenager, as well as how the world number one is viewed by others on the professional darts circuit.
"I see myself, not so much of a role model, but a bit of an older brother to him in the darts world," said Aspinall last year. "We don’t speak much outside of darts but when it comes to darts, I do try to help him. He’s a nice kid."
Aspinall went on to claim that many of his fellow dart players are envious of Littler's success.
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"He hasn’t got many mates on the tour because a lot of people are jealous of him," he added. "I am not. I appreciate what he has done for the game. What he has done for himself and his family. I think he’s a fantastic darts player.
"How he has handled himself at 17 with the media... I don’t think many men, full-grown adults, could do what he has done. I tip my hat to the guy."
Unlike many others on the professional circuit, Aspinall has known the teenager and his family for years.
In fact, the Stockport-born thrower came up against Littler at a tournament in Chester when the latter was just 12 years old.
Speaking to the MEN's Manchester is Red podcast in 2023, Aspinall opened up on that match, as well as his post-match conversation with Littler's dad, Anthony.
"The first time I came across Luke, I think it was in Chester in a tournament and I beat him 4-3," he said. "I think he was aged four! No, he was around 12 and wow, I just thought 'who is the kid?'
"I remember seeing his dad with him and he was dead critical of him because he'd lost. I was thinking mate, he's 12, and I was in the top 16 in the world at that time and I said, 'Give him a break.'
"His dad said, 'No, he needs to learn' and that hard talk over the years has probably produced one of the best players in our sport. He's amazing. What else can you say?"
Aspinall added: "We're all [darts players] sick of seeing his face on social media and that's a credit to him, it's not just the media who are obsessed with him, he's bringing them to him.
"He had an amazing run at the Worlds, then hit a nine-darter against me in Bahrain, then he won a tournament, then he won the first Pro Tour and Euro Tour, so that's full credit to him."
On numerous occasions. Aspinall has praised Littler for his ability and, during an interview with Metro, he recalled being blown away by the teenager's talent as they played against each other.
"Luke Littler did things on the dartboard in my house that I've never seen anyone do. That's the God's honest truth," he began.
"We play a game called 170. If you take 170 out you get two points, if you take it out in six darts you get one point and it's first to six. He took four 170s out in six visits to the board. I'm good on the big fish [170 checkout], I never lose at that game and he absolutely tore me a new one. He's amazing. A unique talent."
Asinall added: "He learned darts at the age kids learn to walk and talk, when your brain is like a sponge. It's second nature to him. I didn't pick a dart up until I was 17, the age that Luke is now, which is mad to think. He's the most natural dart player that there'll probably ever be."
Topics: Luke Littler, Darts
Jack Kenmare