Luke Littler has taken the darts world by storm at the 2024 World Darts Championship - and a strict rule at the tournament's Alexandra Palace venue shows just how remarkable his achievement is.
The 16-year-old former World Youth Champion arrived at the tournament ranked 164th in the world, having spent the majority of his time playing on the youth tour.
And while he proved his immense talent to darts fans during the MODUS Super Series earlier this year, not too many would have predicted his staggering run to the semi-finals.
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Littler dispatched of former Lakeside champion Christian Kist, defending UK Open champion Andrew Gilding and Canadian star Matt Campbell in the first three rounds.
His toughest test to date was then against five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld, who produced a strong display against the 16-year-old but could not live with Littler's consistently high scoring.
Next up was Brendan Dolan, who had already defeated Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson. But the Northern Irishman was unable to bring his A-game, and Littler averaged over 100 for the fourth time in the tournament to win 5-1.
The darts sensation will take on 2018 champion Rob Cross, who came from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey in stunning fashion on New Year's Day, in the semi-final.
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Littler has put his age and inexperience to one side, waltzing up to the Ally Pally oche with pure confidence in his ability during every round - and showing no fear.
It is a phenomenon you very rarely witness in sports - see Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Lewis Hamilton for other examples of sportspeople that have made the art of winning look easy from the moment they entered their respective sports. Even the legendary Phil Taylor didn't win a darts world title until he was 29.
But perhaps the craziest summary of Littler's achievements can be viewed through a strict rule enforced in the very venue that he has created history in.
On the PDC's official website, regulation guidelines request that all fans who are attending the Alexandra Palace are 'accompanied by at least one adult or support bubble'.
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As a result, Littler is only allowed in the building on his own because he is playing darts - which just about sums up how remarkable his performances have been in the tournament at such a young age.
The semi-final clash between Littler and Cross will take place on Tuesday evening, with the 16-year-old looking to create yet more history and book his place in the final against either Scott Williams or world number three Luke Humphries.
Topics:Â Luke Littler, Darts
Ryan Smart