Luke Littler keen to emulate Eric Bristow after Premier League win in Liverpool

Luke Littler hopes he can become the next Eric Bristow after believing his Premier League victory in Liverpool was written in the stars.

The teenager overcame a hostile reception on Merseyside, where fans took objection to his social media goading of Liverpool’s recent struggles under Jurgen Klopp, to claim a third nightly victory and put himself on the brink of a play-off place at the O2 in London next month.

It was Littler’s first visit to the M&S Bank Arena since he went as a fan to watch in 2018 on the night Bristow died of a heart attack after attending a VIP event at the venue.

Remembering the icon that was the Crafty Cockney, Eric Bristow MBE, on what would have been his 67th birthday!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/w5cnClyzsg

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 25, 2024

Thursday night would have been Bristow’s 67th birthday so it was fitting for Littler to claim victory.

Bristow, a five-time world champion, was the ultimate showman and Littler showed similar traits with the way he engaged with the crowd.

Asked whether he can become the next Bristow, he replied: “We’ll have to see in the years to come.

“The last time I was here that was the night Eric passed away. I was only 10 or 11.

“I was up in the stands with my friend. There’s a picture on my phone.

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“It’s nice to win. The last time I was here he passed away, today it’s his birthday and I’ve won.

“Obviously it helped me tonight, I knew what was coming my way and I enjoyed it.

“Eric, I watched a few of his games back and Wayne (Mardle) has always said Eric would loved to have watch me play. ”

Staunch Manchester Unite fan Littler had been warned to calm down by fellow competitors Michael Smith and Nathan Aspinall after poking fun at