Luke Littler has announced a huge career decision ahead of the 2025 World Darts Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old is the favourite for the competition, which features 32 players - including 16 best-ranked players from the PDC's Order of Merit.
Though he has dominated darts with Premier League and World Darts Championship victories ever since bursting onto the scene, Littler is looking to win the tournament for the first time.
It all kicks off on Monday, with Littler in first round action on Tuesday against Gian van Veen.
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But beforehand, Littler has confirmed that he has cut ties with the management company ZXF, who have represented him since 2020 when he started to make waves in darts.
In a statement on Instagram, 'The Nuke' thanked ZXF, who also represent Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey - as well as manager Martin Foulds for all that he has done for him in his career.
Littler explains why he is changing management
He explained that it is now "the right time" for him to "take the next step" with a new management firm tasked with continuing to raise Littler's growing profile as a sports sensation.
"I want to say a massive thank you to ZXF Management, and especially Martin, for everything they've done for me so far in my career," Littler wrote on his Instagram story.
"We've had some amazing times together over the last 5 years and I'll always be grateful for the advice and support that's helped me get to this point.
"As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we've agreed it's the right time for me to take the next step with new representation.
Martin has been brilliant for me and I wish him and everyone at ZXF the very best. Excited for what's ahead."
In first showing since leaving ZXF, Littler will be in action at 6pm at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester on Tuesday as he looks to move a step closer to a £120,000 prize awarded to the winner.
However, the event isn't Littler's favourite to participate in because of its unique rule which he is not a big fan of.
Though the format is the same, all players must hit a double to start and finish each leg of the 501 game. And speaking in an interview prior to the event, Littler explained why the competition is so difficult.
“Obviously it’s the next big one for me. But I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it last time," he said, as per The Sun.
"I didn’t like the double start. It’s one of the toughest tournaments to win.
“There is the World Championship, the Matchplay, the Premier League. But the double start – if you don’t get off, then you’re in trouble. I can’t say I really practice the double start often but obviously leading up to it, I think I’ll have to – just to get used to it."
Topics: Luke Littler, Darts, World Darts Championship
Josh Lawless