BARRY HEARN has warned Luke Littler that there are SIX additional darts prodigies ready to challenge him in the upcoming years.

Darts executive Hearn is confident in Littler’s ability to thrive in the sport, but he has urged the 17-year-old not to underestimate the fierce competition ahead.

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Hearn, president of darts organization Matchroom Sport, described Littler as his “Christmas gift” after the young athlete’s swift rise has taken darts to new heights in the past year.

In a conversation with Sky Sports, Hearn commented: “He was my Christmas gift last year. It’s tough to find the perfect present for someone older like me who has nearly everything.”

“Then I was introduced to Luke Littler, and he turned out to be the best Christmas gift I could have wished for. Luke Humphries and he are destined to dominate darts events in the future.

“However, he needs to remain vigilant because there are around six exceptional young players eager to follow in Luke Littler’s footsteps. It may not be as simple for him as he thinks.”

Littler made a notable impact at last year’s World Championship, where he reached the final at just 16 years old.

Since then, the Nuke has been consistently performing at a high level, clinching 10 PDC titles and earning over £1 MILLION in prize money.

Currently, the darts sensation is preparing for his second attempt at the World Championship this December, right before he turns 18 in the new year.

Even Hearn, who has followed Littler’s career since he was seven, couldn’t have predicted the accomplishments since last year.

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In an interview with the BBC, he stated: “We have been following his progress since he was around seven years old.

“He was certainly on our radar, but we never anticipated the extent of his rise. Suddenly, Littlermania is everywhere.

Barry Hearn warns leading darts players that ‘little Littler Army’ is set to dominate the sport

“Luke Humphries is another outstanding player who is bound to be around for years. The realm of sports is incredibly competitive. It centers on winning and securing the top position. Envy will always exist.

“Luke Littler is the next Tiger Woods of darts, so they better get used to it. The only method to compete is to continuously strive for improvement.”

Littler will take on the winner of Fallon Sherrock and Ryan Meikle in his opening match of this year’s World Championship at Ally Pally.

Inside Littler’s remarkable rise

LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts scene by storm since his breakout at the PDC World Championship at the year’s start.