LUKE DE LOOP

Littler's thrills, spills and tears on joyride

- MIKE WALTERS

IT began with a fairy tale and 2024 is ending with Luke Littler king of the fairground.

Never mind The Big One on Blackpool's Golden Mile Luke the Nuke's roller coaster has been the most thrilling adrenaline rush this year.

"It's been a crazy, crazy ride," said the people's champion as he reflected on the 12 months that changed his life.

Before the week is out, he could usher in 2025 by taking us on the biggest joyride of all.

To win the Paddy Power PDC World Championship three weeks shy of his 18th birthday, he will have to play out of his skin and he faces Ryan Joyce tonight.

But if anybody can, it's the boy wonder who has made darts cool.

His 4-1 win against Ian White on Saturday night ended Littler's run of 14 consecutive 100plus averages but the stats from his first year on the PDC circuit are astounding.