LUKE LITTLER is even more “dangerous” as he looks to win a clean sweep of titles after a break during the World Cup.
That’s according to his practice pal Rob Cross who believes that the 17-year-old will return to the World Matchplay in a fortnight in red-hot form.
Cross, 33, is convinced that Littler will be even stronger having had a few weeks off ahead of his Winter Gardens debut.
He said: “It was always going to be a test of Luke’s stamina with all the travelling this year.
“We all know what he’s capable of on the dartboard. But it’s the travelling that kills you. Fatigue can be the biggest downfall of any player, no matter how talented you are.
“To be fair, Luke has handled everything thrown his way incredibly well. He’s coped with all the media attention and travelling so far.
“He won the Premier League and five other titles when the calendar was very busy.
“Now he’s had a break for a few weeks and not played in the World Cup, he will take some stopping. He’s even more dangerous now.
“Nothing seems to bother him. He’ll love playing in Blackpool, it’s local to him and I just see him turning up and dominating once again.”
Cross won the Matchplay in 2019 and believes that Littler will enjoy the atmosphere.
He added: “It’s a proper darts crowd at the Winter Gardens. It’s not as loud as the Worlds or Premier Leagues. I can see Luke stealing the headlines again.
“It’s up to me and the other boys to stop him. Luke Humphries will want to win the Matchplay and Worlds in the same year, not many have done that.
“But it’s the second biggest tournament of the year. The likes of Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Gary Anderson will all be fired up.”