Darts world champion Luke Littler has admitted he has been left ‘shaken’ after having emergency dental treatment ahead of the Flanders Open this weekend.
The 18-year-old, who has won two World Series events this month, is due to return to the oche for the first time in the European Tour since April as he travels to Antwerp this weekend.
Littler will either face Dylan Slevin of Ireland or Belgium’s Francois Schweyen on Saturday, but his preparation for the match has been far from ideal.
On Thursday night, the teenage sensation took to Instagram to reveal that he had to have a tooth removed at a dental practice in Manchester after being left ‘in pain for hours and hours’.
The Nuke posted a selfie alongside his girlfriend, Faith Millar, 19, in a car after the procedure and revealed that, despite the discomfort he is in, he plans to travel to Belgium.
‘In pain for hours and hours, so had to get tooth out,’ Littler told his 1.9m Instagram followers.
Luke Littler has told his Instagram followers he is ‘shaken’ after emergency dental surgery
Littler, 18, is due to take part in the Flanders Open on the European Tour this weekend
‘Luckily, they were able to do it and sort me out but hopefully it’s all good for Saturday. Everyone knows I love Belgium and hopefully I can play my best darts.’
Littler is due to be flying over to Belgium on Friday, but has warned his supporters that, if they do come across him, his social battery will be low.
‘I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling in the morning whether I’m gonna be in a little bit of pain, but if you see me in airport I’m just gonna have my airpods in and I’m gonna be doing my own thing.
‘So don’t be saying I’m arrogant because I’m not, I’ve never had this done, and idk how I’m gonna be feeling, but right now. I’m in shock and shaken as I didn’t know what to expect.’
Last month, Littler secured a mouth-watering £200,000 in prize money by becoming the youngest player ever to complete darts’ prestigious Triple Crown, after he took down darts legend James Wade 18-13 to win the World Matchplay title.
In a breathtaking display on the night, Littler logged a 107.24 three-dart average, a 42 per cent checkout rate, and no less than 17 180s.
After his triumph, Littler finally confirmed that he and Faith are an item, after months of speculation. A reporter asked the teenage sensation in an interview, ‘Your family and girlfriend are here,’ to which Littler nodded his head.
The gesture was all but a verbal admission that he and Faith have gone official.
The teenage sensation (pictured with girlfriend Faith, won the World Matchplay last month
The pair were first pictured together in May, when Littler shared a photo of them on Instagram.
Daily Mail Sport had exclusively revealed in March that the duo had bonded, although a source insisted they were just friends.
A source said at the time: ‘Faith and Luke have become firm friends and enjoy one another’s company a lot. Faith and Luke met a few weeks ago. They just clicked, and since then, have spent quite a bit of time together.
‘They live quite close to each other so it’s been easy to meet up. Faith has met Luke’s mum and dad and some of the friends he grew up with and she’s been round to his mansion a few times.’
