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5 months ago
21
Luke Littler lit up Madison Square Garden on Friday night as darts' teenage sensation made a dream American debut with victory in just nine minutes.
The 17-year-old from Warrington, who has risen to become the sport's poster boy after an incredible few months, obliterated poor Matt Campbell in front of a raucous crowd in New York.
Littler required only nine minutes and 52 seconds to win the first-round match at the US Darts Masters, in his first competition on American soil.
'I feel like everything went well. I'm not too sure on the stats but I felt good and I just couldn't wait to get on there tonight... I can't wait to play again tomorrow.'
There will be 4,000-plus fans inside MSG on both Friday and Saturday as eight of the world's best battle eight North American challengers. Some of Littler's rivals were run close in the first round and former world champion Michael Smith was upset 6-1 by Jeff Smith.
Luke Littler was mobbed by supporters in New York as he made his American debut on Friday
Littler was given a raucous reception by fans at the iconic Madison Square Garden
But the teenager whitewashed Campbell in the penultimate game of the night, racking up an average of 103.66.
He will return to the iconic arena on Saturday night in the hope of lifting yet another trophy in this incredible debut season.
'It would obviously mean the world, (given) the amount of athletes who have performed here. I've won one game now and hopefully I can go further tomorrow,' he said.
'I've joined the winning list of one game but I'd like to go further and lift the trophy.'
The teenager was given a standing ovation as he entered the Theater at Madison Square Garden. He was mobbed for selfies and signatures by fans of all ages.
One held up a sign which read: 'Walking in a Littler wonderland'. And afterwards Littler reflected on the attention he has received Stateside.
The teenage sensation, 17, went on to beat Matt Campbell 6-0 in less than 10 minutes
Littler salutes the fans, one of whom held up a sign which read 'Walking in a Littler wonderland'
'It's been crazy but also it's a good thing because darts gets more recognisable outside of the UK and in different countries,' he said.
Littler smiled as he soaked up the ovation en route to the stage, where he threw his arms out and led the crowd in a rendition of a new walk-on song.
The teenager chose the entrance music of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who is among the American celebrities to have sent him messages of support since his arrival in New York.
'Obviously the Americans love their wrestling - it's where it's based - and Cody gave me a message yesterday so I thought let's use his walk-on,' Littler revealed.
English (US)