Luke Littler sees record obliterated in jaw-dropping fashion by teenage darts rival

Luke Littler, the reigning world champion, may soon find his supremacy challenged by another young prodigy.

The Nuke was a mere 17 when he first graced the Ally Pally stage in December 2023, making an impressive run to the final where he was defeated by Luke Humphries before claiming the Premier League Darts title on debut in 2024.

He went one better at the sport's premier event this January, demolishing Michael van Gerwen in the final.

And while his rapid ascent has rocked the darts world, those familiar with Littler from the PDC Development Tour were already aware of his exceptional talent, he might soon need to keep an eye on another rising star from the same ranks.

Charlie Manby, 19, produced a staggering 130.70 average in his latest PDC Development Tour win.

Patrick Williams was on the receiving end of his onslaught, with Manby winning 4-0. He kicked off the match with a 180 and took the first leg in 13 darts - his worst effort of the game.

A 10-dart leg followed, and he needed just 12 shots at the board for the next two legs. His average also smashed Littler's previous best on the tour before he moved up to the senior ranks.

Manby's single-match average is the highest ever in the 15-year history of the development tournaments, surpassing Littler's best of 115.22, which he achieved in a match in 2023.

The closest rival to Manby trailed behind at 120.24. Three different players, Bradley Brooks, Gert Nentjes, and Owen Bates, have achieved that marker, with Littler's average only good enough to be the seventh best on tour records.

However, the Warrington-born star is no stranger to breaking records. During his first-round match in the latest World Championship, he set a new record with a set average of 140.91 against Ryan Meikle.

The achievement was so monumental that he broke down in tears after the emotional win. But if Manby keeps up his current pace, he could soon be sharing the spotlight.

The Englishman already has tour title wins under his belt and currently ranks sixth in the PDC Development rankings.

He's won just shy of £12,000 in career prize money so far, a figure that's set to skyrocket if he can take his current form to the pro levels.