Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports & Getty Images
Topics: Luke Littler, Darts
Daniel Marland
Luke Littler has released a statement after being handed his Premier League debut.
The 16-year-old sensation captured everyone's hearts during an incredible rookie appearance at the PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross on the road to the final.
He was beaten 7-4 by Luke Humphries on Wednesday evening in a final that became Sky Sports' most-viewed non-footballing event of all time.
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Humphries called for Littler to be included in the Premier League line-up shortly after winning the world title.
On Thursday, it was confirmed Littler had made the eight-man shortlist, which also includes Humphries, Cross, Nathan Aspinall, Peter Wright, Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen.
The action gets underway on February 1 at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff and ahead of the event, Littler has posted a message to Instagram.
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He said: "Can't wait for this. Gonna be some experience."
'The Nuke' will have turned 17 by the time the Premier League gets underway and he told Sky Sports he's ready for what'll be the biggest test of his young career.
"It's unbelievable," he admitted. "No more development tour. This is it. Playing in the Premier League and comfortably in the (world's top) 32.
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"As soon as I came off the stage, did the media and saw the family, my manager pulled me aside and said, 'Do you want to do it?' I said, 'Let's do it, it might not happen again'.
"I'll probably have to take a break maybe from a few ProTours but I knew what was coming as soon as I said yes to the Premier League.
"This is just going to be an incredible experience."
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Littler pocketed a cool £200,000 for coming second in the World Darts Championship and what he wants to spend it on his been a big talking point.
Per investment platform Saxo, he will still have to forfeit at least 45 per cent of his huge prize fund, despite only being a teenager.
That amounts to £76,203 while he, would also have to slice his winnings further by paying £7,330 in National Insurance.
In total, Littler will receive £116,467 following all deductions.