Luke Littler has set his sights on a new car as the teenage darts sensation learns how to drive after winning the World Championship.
The 17-year-old Littler dominated Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest winner of the world title with a superb performance at Alexandra Palace.
After reaching the final on debut last year, Littler returned as the favourite for victory and lived up to that billing, with even three-time world champion Van Gerwen swept aside 7-3 in the final.
In doing so, the youngster pocketed £500,000 in prize money, a tidy sum for a teenager also likely to earn plenty in endorsements away from the oche.
With little time to learn how to drive on his way to the top of the darts world, Littler will now embark on lessons in a new Mercedes A-Class having always liked the German hatchback.
“Last year I was looking at driving and I loved the Ford Focus, but now I’ve gone up in the world just a little,” Littler told reporters after his triumph at Ally Pally.
“I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class. Just a small car.”
Littler is still given an allowance by his parents, and has returned home to Warrington to relax and celebrate his breakthrough win.
Given his age, the 17-year-old believes that he could one day reach the record of 16 world titles held by Phil Taylor.
“If I want the 16, then I am sure I could possibly achieve it,” Littler said.
“If deep down, if I really want it, then with my ability, I’m sure I can achieve a lot more. But I know I’m in this for a long, long time.
“I just want to try and win as many titles as I can this year. I won 10 last year. I’ve started the year off with one. But just try and add on to that 10. Maybe win 10, 11 or 12 or even more titles.
“I said previously I would like to win one of every major and then add on to them. But I could be chasing Michael’s three titles – and potentially Phil’s 16.
“I want to become one of the best of all time. It will take however many times. Phil Taylor won many. I know Michael has won 100-plus titles. But for myself, I want to win as much as I can.”
