LUKE LITTLER’S incredible rise to success could come at a huge cost, according to darts legend James Wade.
The 17-year-old has a chance to get his hands on the Premier League Darts trophy tonight.
Littler qualified for the play-off in top spot after 16 nights of action and faces Michael Smith in the semi-final at the O2 Arena, London this evening.
Either Luke Humphries or Michael van Gerwen awaits in the showpiece, with the winner pocketing £275,000.
Littler has already made £40,000 from winning four nights of the competition during the roadshow across Europe.
But Wade is worried about the teenager suffering from burnout.
The 2009 Premier League champion claimed earlier this year that Littler should’ve rejected his spot in the event due to the gruelling schedule.
Wade said: “A huge tournament in the limelight should have been followed by a year of keeping his head down, picking up ranking points, learning about his game, and gradually becoming a force to be reckoned with.
“But Littler has already become the PDC’s biggest asset and they want to parade him around the country – and in the case of the World Series, the globe – while they have him.
“I will caveat by saying that he might revel in it, lap it up and finish top of the top four.
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LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship.
The Nuke reached the final on his Ally Pally debut at just 16 years of age – smashing records along the way.
He has since joined Jude Bellingham on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list.
And the teenage titan even had to snub an invite from the WWE.
The Sun exclusively revealed that Littler is plotting to create a fitness empire.
He is also cashing in away from the Oche thanks to an Instagram side hustle.
And he’s even the face of a brand new cereal.
Check out all of our Luke Littler stories here.
“But ultimately that will come at a cost further down the line.”
In an attempt to balance his schedule, Littler has missed some Euro Tour events this year.
But in the build-up to tonight’s semi and final, The Nuke revealed he is thriving on the big occasion.
Littler said: “I cannot wait. I’m so glad to be a part of these sold out arenas. I’m going to the O2 full of confidence.
“I’m just focused on trying to win that first semi-final against Michael Smith.
“Michael has got a good record against me, but hopefully I can put that right and win when it really matters.
“It would mean everything to lift the title. It would be my first major title, but if it’s not to be, it’s not to be.”
Smith currently leads the head-to-head 5-2.
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