Flip 18 and defend Bahrain Masters title – what subsequent for Luke Littler?

Luke Littler achieved his future by profitable the World Championship after bulldozing his well beyond Michael van Gerwen on Friday.

The 17-year-old beat Van Gerwen 7-3 in a one-sided ultimate to change into the youngest world champion ever.

Right here, the PA information company takes a take a look at what’s subsequent for Littler.

When does he flip 18?

It appears troublesome to imagine given his exploits during the last 13 months that Littler continues to be not an grownup.

However his 18th birthday is on the horizon as he comes of age on January 21.

That can open up an entire new world of potentialities to him which might check his focus.

How a lot cash has he gained?

Littler has already gained extra prize cash than any 17-year-old would ever want.

His unbelievable performances since bursting on to the stage has seen him rack up an eye-watering £1.18million from rating occasions and one other £395,000 from worldwide tournaments.

That can be utterly dwarfed by his earnings away from the oche as his business partnerships with high-profile manufacturers similar to boohooMAN and Xbox can be extraordinarily profitable.

When does he play subsequent?

Littler will have the ability to have a few weeks of celebration and rest earlier than he subsequent returns to the oche.

He’s set to play within the Bahrain Masters on January 16 and 17, returning to the match the place he gained his first title in 2024.

He can be introduced because the world champion for the primary time and with that comes a unique kind of stress.

When does he start his Premier League marketing campaign?

Littler was handed a wild card into final 12 months’s Premier League, which he went on to win in spectacular type, throwing a nine-dart end within the ultimate in opposition to Luke Humphries.

He has certified outright for the 2025 match resulting from his world rating and can be there on the opening evening in Belfast on February 6.

Can Littler surpass Taylor’s world title file?

Earlier than Littler arrived on the scene the prospect of anybody ever beating Phil Taylor’s file of 16 world titles appeared frankly ludicrous.

However, if anybody can do it, it will likely be Littler.

He has time on his aspect and definitely has the expertise and want. However the general customary is way greater than Taylor’s day, highlighted by the actual fact there have been seven completely different winners within the final eight years.