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THE 18-YEAR-OLD WILL TAKE ON GERWYN PRICE IN THE SEMI-FINALS AT THE O2 ARENA ON THURSDAY NIGHT AS HE LOOKS TO SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND A FIRST MAJOR TV TITLE KEITH WALES and GEORGE SESSIONS PA
13:46, 29 May 2025 World champion Luke Littler has quashed retirement rumours, affirming his commitment to darts ahead of Thursday's Premier League play-offs at the O2 Arena. The 18
year old prodigy is set to take on Gerwyn Price in a bid to retain his first major TV title. Despite Nathan Aspinall's comments on Tuesday suggesting Littler might exit the sport in
five years, the young star made it clear he's here to stay, aiming to surpass Phil Taylor's record of 16 world titles. "I've heard that, I don't know where he's
got that from – don't worry, I'll be here in 10 years," Littler stated, highlighting the lucrative prize money available, particularly at the World Championship, and noting
the overall increase in winnings across the sport. "It's crazy to even think about retiring. If I win 16 world titles like Phil, I'll retire, but I'm not even thinking
about retirement at the minute – the money is there to be won, especially the World Championship, but not only that everything has gone up." Littler did acknowledge the pressure of
being a top player with a target on his back and the potential for burnout, remained focused as he stated: "It is all about what you're feeling and I'm sure I'll be here
for a long time." Article continues below With ambitions to emulate the success of darts legends Taylor and Michael van Gerwen by securing consecutive Premier League titles, Littler is
determined to prove his mettle once again in London. He added: "For the last 18 months there's been a target on my back. Since I first came on tour and made the World Championship
final, I just knew. "From the moment I walked into my first Pro Tour competition, I knew everyone wanted to beat me. That is still the same now. There will always be a target on my back
and I know if I'm not on my A-game, they will catch me out." Aspinall could face Luke Littler in the Premier League final, provided he can pull off an upset against world number
one Luke Humphries. He said: "Even now Luke could retire and never have to worry about money again in his life, it's as simple as that. "He will always have exhibition work
and I hope he doesn't (retire). He's coming out of his shell a bit at the moment. Article continues below "I'm really close to Luke as everybody knows and I've
noticed over the last six months, probably through this Premier League campaign, he's becoming a man now. I hope he stays for as long as he can but there are so many Luke Littler's
in the making."