Darts ace Gary Anderson has called on the press to ensure they don't 'destroy' teenage sensation Luke Littler, who is currently enjoying a storied run at the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship.
Having defeated Matt Campbell 3-1 in the third round of the Alexandra Palace tournament, 16-year-old Littler will now face off against the legendary Raymond van Barneveld in the fourth round, with the Dutchman 40-years his senior.
Despite his age, Littler has produced three back to back stellar performances well beyond his years. And should he manage to beat van Barneveld in round four, then he could be facing off against Anderson, who himself will face Brendan Dolan.
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However, whilst Littler's impressive performances have been the talk of the Ally Pally, Anderson has urged caution especially from the media. While Littler has been in sensational form, the Scotsman is wary of people building the teenager up too much, only to then bring him down at the first sign of trouble.
And speaking in a fiery press conference ahead of his fourth round match with Dolan, Anderson wants to ensure people simply allow Littler to enjoy himself, and not put too much pressure upon his shoulders.
What do you make of Gary Anderson's passionate defence of Luke Littler? Let us know in the comments section below.
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"Now see, we're going to say this now, because we had another youngster, called Josh Rock that all you press and everything else have absolutely destroyed," said Anderson.
"So if it ever goes t**s up with Luke [Littler], give yourselves a pat on the back, because that's the way going. Let the boy play darts. I've been downstairs today and he's had cameras, zoom calls, Sky meetings - let the boy play darts.
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"He's had a great tournament. He's done well, what happens if it all goes Pete Tonge now. You boys have ruined that haven't you [gesturing to the media]. Let the boy play darts. He's 16-years-old, playing well and just like Josh Rock, fantastic player, but you've knocked him back about two or three years."
