Luke Littler, 16, now fifth favourite to WIN World Darts as he breezes through second round at Ally Pally

TEEN sensation Luke Littler has become a genuine title contender for the PDC World Darts Championship after he stormed into the third round post-Christmas.

And Phil Taylor, the biggest name in the sport, believes the impressive youngster can lift the trophy on Tuesday January 3.

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Luke Littler brushed aside UK Open champ Andrew Gilding 3-1Credit: Rex

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Littler’s confidence and dedication was hailed by darts icon Phil TaylorCredit: Rex

Less than 24 hours after he won his debut match on the Ally Pally stage, the 16-year-old from Warrington backed it up superbly with a wonderful 3-1 victory over 20th seed Andrew Gilding.

It was not as spectacular average-wise as the 3-0 first-round thumping of Christian Kist, which he celebrated with a kebab and cans of Coke and Fanta.

But to beat the reigning UK Open champion and continue this incredible run has seen him installed as the FIFTH favourite for the crown at odds of 10-1.

Littler said: “I wanted to come back after Christmas. I’ve overachieved once again.

“I’m glad to drag myself over the line. When I went 2-0 up, I let out lots of emotions.

“But then he came back on stage and won the third set. I had to win the next set and avoid going 2-2.

“I said to my manager beforehand, I could win with a 50 average and not be bothered. With Andrew’s pace, I had to find the rhythm.

“Andrew was unbelievable, pinging doubles here and there, but he did let me in and I took my chances.”

Littler, who turns 17 next month, struggled to sleep on Wednesday night and his phone blew up with 500 notifications on social media.

His Instagram account has gone from 4,000 followers to 11,000 and now includes some Super League rugby players and Championship footballer.

And about 900 of his specialised Target darts cases were snapped up by punters online on Thursday.

The Warrington teen pockets a minimum of £25,000 in prize money for beating Goldfinger, who at the age of 53 is old enough to be his GRANDFATHER.

It’s incredible so many people know me now. And it’s unbelievable how much the crowd got on my side.

Luke Littler

Littler can now enjoy his Christmas Day turkey before returning for a last 32-clash with Canadian Matt Campbell, who has flown home to see his family.

The crowd love his showmanship and rehashed an old Taylor song, singing: ‘There’s only one Luke Littler.’

Littler responded: “It’s incredible that so many people know me now. And it’s unbelievable how much the crowd got on my side.

“I don’t really practice much and it’s Christmas, but I will spend time with the family and I’ll put some hours in.

“The goal is to win my next game. I’m glad I’m coming back.

“I’ll take it game-by-game, I know loads of people are throwing bets on me, I have to beat who is on the stage in front of me.

“My manager got that kebab on Wednesday. I will get my own. I didn’t really like it. The word kebab was tending worldwide. I think it will be another kebab tonight.”

Taylor, 63, was watching the action back home in Stoke and he has backed Littler to go all the way.

The Power – the sixteen-time world champion – told GB News: “He was brilliant. And I love it. He’s 16 years old and he’s got a chance here to make himself £500,000.

“I can see he’s dedicated. And I can also see he’s got that look in his eye that he wants to win, which is the two things that you definitely need. 

“I honestly believe he thinks that he can go and win the tournament and I totally agree with him.”