Luke Littler has revealed even being a dart sensation doesn’t make you immune to odd presents from your mum.
He stormed into the Round of 16 at the World Darts Championship by beating Ian White 4-1 and likely had his mind focused on the clash whilst opening his presents on Christmas Day.
But Littler admitted there was one he received that he may not need.
A keen gamer, there was a theme to what he had delivered on the big day.
And the joys of being a sporting sensation means some things are provided by sponsors, which can make gifting a little trickier.
When asked what he was received, he said: “Oh, some clothes. A new gaming chair. A headset.
“An Xbox gift card from my mum – even though I am sponsored by them!”
We imagine it’ll still be put to good use though – but only after he’s finished another brilliant World Darts Championship run at Alexandra Palace.
The 17-year-old has certainly been in a competitive mood so far and looked amped during his win over White.
Often looking quiet and relaxed on stage, this year he’s been full of emotion.
He admitted he is not always ‘Mr Nice Guy’ at the oche and he showed a more bold side as he celebrated winning his fourth set against White.
The world number four said after the match: “I am not a nice person at times on the board. I don’t think anyone is.”
“But it’s always good to have that bit of aggression.”
“It’s good for myself to show that I can be ruthless.
“Ian has been around for many years. He played my granddad.
“But for myself, it’s good to be ruthless, especially on that last dart as many people do see.”
Littler looks to be on course to reach back-to-back finals at the tournament, but it hasn’t been straightforward.
After beating Ryan Meikle in his first match, the 17-year-old became overwhelmed with emotion during an interview with Sky Sports.
He was then seen being comforted by his parents near the front of the stage as the tears flowed.
However, Littler was in much better spirits on Saturday, so much so that he even appeared to poke fun at his own crying.
In a video from The Sun, he can be seen walking towards his mum and pretending to wipe his eyes as if he was tearful once again.
Littler then quickly offered a cheeky smile before hugging his mother and exiting the stage following another victory.
“It was tough,” he said after beating White. “Ian threw everything at me. If I hit a 180, he would hit back with one, too.
“I had to stay switched on. I didn’t have nerves. I had to settle in quickly. The first set was okay.
“The second set after the first break, I was up for it. At 3-1, the 70 was massive. I don’t think double ten or double 20 like me – and I don’t like them.”
Littler’s fourth-round opponent is Ryan Joyce, who has beaten Darius Labanauskas, Danny Noppert and Ryan Searle thus far.
The teenager is aware of the tough tests he faces against Joyce as he said: “I watched Ryan Joyce’s game. He was very good.
“I know I have got to hit those doubles, 35 per cent tonight won’t get me anywhere. I need to get those doubles. Most importantly, though, I’ve won.”
Littler is scheduled to play Joyce on Monday and victory would take him to another quarter-final.
He will then face either Ricardo Pietreczko or Nathan Aspinall for a place in the final four at this year’s tournament.
