Former world champion Stephen Bunting has credited “megastar” Luke Littler for taking his streaks to new heights as he prepares for another World Championship debut at Ally Pally.
Bunting admits the sport has taken off in popularity since winning the now-defunct BDO title in 2014, and says the 17-year-old's remarkable rise has rubbed off on his rivals.
The sport is so popular at the moment – last year's final, in which Littler was beaten by Luke Humphries, was the most watched non-football event in Sky history Sports.
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Bunting says he is aiming to return to the Premier League in the future and praised Littler's impact on the sport
“What Lucas has done for our sport in such a short space of time is simply amazing, and his name is on everyone's lips,” Bunting said.
“He's a megastar and he's taken our sport to the next level. We were already ready to look at the figures behind Premier League football, but he's a- now on another level.
“I notice him when I go shopping and I get young kids asking me for autographs and pictures, which has never happened before. It just shows how Luke's success is driving down the number of darts fans.”
'Sad to move away from Ally Pally'
Bunting has warned against moving away from Ally Pally
Bunting enters this year's tournament as a live contender after winning The Masters in Milton Keynes last February, although he could run into defending champion Humphries in the quarters -final rounds.
A long-time favorite of the Ally Pally crowd, the St Helens-born star has warned against suggestions from sports great Barry Hearn about a move away from the venue that has hosted every Championship Global since 2008.
“In my eyes it would be sad to move away from Ally Pally because it's an incredible place for darts,” Bunting said.
“You go there every year and there are people dressed up like Christmas trees and Batman and Robin. It's a special place for players, officials and fans and it's just a special place it is.”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports?
Luke Humphries will aim to defend the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace
Live darts returns to Sky Sports at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championshipstarting on December 15, as Luke Humphries defends his title with Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Michael Smith all in action from Alexandra Palace – and you can watch the best enjoy here.
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