Luke Littler hopes he can become a modern Eric Bristow after kicking off his Austrian Open campaign in style.
The 17-year-old has enjoyed a stunning breakout season in 2024. After reaching the PDC World Championship fina l, Littler has also enjoyed a brilliant first year in the Premier League - sitting top of the table.
His latest success came in Liverpool, where the Manchester United fan enjoyed a bit of back and forth with the crowd. It was Littler’s first return to the M&S Bank Arena since he went as a supporter to watch in 2018.
That was the night Bristow died of a heart attack after attending a VIP event at the arena. Speaking after his victory over Rob Cross, Littler suggested that his admiration of the five-time champion might have had something to do with it.
Asked if he could become the 'new' Eric Bristow, the youngster replied: “We’ll have to see in the years to come. The last time I was here that was the night Eric passed away. I was only 10 or 11.
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“I was up in the stands with my friend. There’s a picture on my phone. It’s nice to win. The last time I was here he passed away, today it’s his birthday and I’ve won.
“Obviously it helped me tonight, I knew what was coming my way and I enjoyed it. Eric, I watched a few of his games back and Wayne (Mardle) has always said Eric would loved to have watch me play. ”
Littler’s ongoing exchanges with the crowd continued throughout the night - especially after reminding those inside about Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to rivals Everton. He has claimed he relishes the opportunity to be a showman.
He added: “It’s just banter and as a United fan you like to see Liverpool as rivals lose games. We’re not doing too well this season and they’re enjoying that.
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“Obviously I enjoyed the FA Cup win and them getting knocked out of the Europa League. It’s just all banter. There’s United fans and I’ve got fans into darts maybe the two can connect and support me.
“If you give it you have to take it. And I’m sure if I did lose in Liverpool that would all be on social media but then I’ve just got to get on with the next one.”
Littler’s success hasn’t just been restricted to the Premier League. He kicked off his Austrian Open in style with a 6-2 victory against home favourite Zoran Lerchbacher on Friday evening.
The Graz-born star was roared on by a partizan home crowd and twice threatened to make it an uncomfortable evening for Littler. But he missed the chance to level things at 3-3, before Littler then found his groove to secure what was eventually a comfortable win.
He will now take on Australian Damon Heta in the second round on Saturday. Following his commitments in Austria, Littler will then turn his attention back to the Premier League.
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