Dan Stapleton, an amateur darts player from North Wales, found himself facing off against the emerging talent Luke Littler at a local tournament in Chester in 2023. Despite Littler’s young age of 16 at the time, he was already gaining attention for his skills before his notable debut at the PDC World Championship.
Stapleton recalled the encounter, mentioning their previous near encounters at the same tournament a year earlier. Despite initial reservations due to Littler’s age, Stapleton acknowledged the buzz surrounding the young player, who was already showcasing remarkable abilities on the darts circuit.
Their paths crossed in the round of 16, with Stapleton expressing surprise at being drawn against Littler. Despite the unexpected matchup, Stapleton was eager to compete against the rising star.
Littler, known for his competitive spirit, exhibited his prowess by defeating Stapleton with an impressive average score. Stapleton reflected on the game, admitting to missing crucial opportunities against Littler’s dominant performance.
Stapleton always had high expectations for Littler’s future success, noting the young player’s potential for greatness even at a tender age. Comparing Littler’s achievements to established darts champions, Stapleton praised Littler’s remarkable progress and predicted a bright future ahead.
As Littler continues to make a name for himself in the darts world, his dedication and talent are evident, setting him on a path towards further success in the sport.