Dan Stapleton, an amateur darts player from North Wales, found himself facing off against Luke Littler at a local tournament in Chester in 2023. Littler, who was not yet a world champion, had already gained attention in the darts world ahead of his PDC World Championship debut.
Stapleton recalled the encounter, noting their close proximity and previous interactions at a tournament the year before. Despite initial reservations about playing a younger opponent, Stapleton recognized Littler’s growing reputation in the darts community.
The two players advanced to the round of 16, where Stapleton was surprised to discover that he would be facing Littler. Despite feeling a mix of disappointment and excitement, Stapleton acknowledged Littler’s talent and dedication to the game.
In their match, Littler demonstrated his prowess by defeating Stapleton 3-0 with an impressive average score. Stapleton reflected on the game, highlighting Littler’s exceptional performance and unwavering focus on winning, even in smaller competitions.
Looking back, Stapleton always believed that Littler had the potential to achieve great success in darts, predicting his future as a world champion. Comparing Littler’s achievements to other notable players, Stapleton marveled at the young talent’s rapid rise in the sport.
Despite the outcome of their match, Stapleton remained impressed by Littler’s skills and determination, foreseeing a bright future ahead for the rising star in the darts world.