Luke Littler’s dad has shared his emotional reaction to the world champion’s gran watching him for the first time.
The Nuke was supported by his family at night ten of the Premier League Darts on Thursday night.
Sky SportsLittler’s gran watched him live for the first time on Thursday night[/caption]
Sky SportsShe was emotional as they hugged during the world champion’s walk-on[/caption]
Amongst them at the AO Arena in Manchester was his 81-year-old grandmother.
It is the first time she has seen Littler in action in the Premier League live, with the venue to closest to his hometown of Warrington.
She appeared emotional prior to his opening match against Gerwyn Price.
The pair had hugged during Littler’s walk-on before the quarter-final clash.
Meanwhile, his dad Anthony Buckley later wrote on social media: “Finally got me mum to the darts tonight at Manchester, 81 years young to watch her grandson our Luke The Nuke Littler walk on as a world champion and get a win. Meant the world to me.”
Littler went on to beat Price 6-3 despite his opponent hitting a nine-darter during the match.
However, the world number two was then beaten by Luke Humphries in the semi-finals.
Despite the last-four exit, Littler remains top of the standings with six events to go.
His four nightly wins have established a five-point lead over Humphries heading into next week.
The 18-year-old will take on Rob Cross in the opening round at the Rotterdam Ahoy.
Meanwhile, Humphries went on to lose to Nathan Aspinall in Thursday night’s final.
It was also a home event for the Asp in Manchester, who explained: “I have never been as nervous as I was on those last darts because I’m in Manchester.
“I’ve got all my family and friends here, and so many people supporting me tonight, so I’m just so happy I won for them.
“This is a big win for me tonight in my home town, and I’m going to get so much confidence from this.
“The thing is with me, when I’m a confident player and scoring well, there’s not many people in the world of darts that can beat me.
“I’ve been through a horrendous two years but I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior.
“I don’t know when I’m beaten and I’m in a privileged position doing a job I love. I keep fighting to the end and I will never give up.”
The regular season lasts for 16 weeks before the top four contest the play-offs at the O2 Arena in London on May 29th.
