Luke Littler has received support from darts fans after the 17-year-old broke down in tears following his World Championship win over Ryan Meikle on Saturday night.
The youngster had gone into the contest as the favourite to go through, having made the final of the same competition at the start of the year.
And Littler had to hold his nerve to go through, with the teenager eventually securing a 3-1 win.
Meikle pushed his darts rival all the way in defeat and, speaking to Sky Sports in the aftermath of the contest, Littler struggled.
Luke Littler has received support from darts fans after the 17-year-old broke down in tears following his World Championship win over Ryan Meikle on Saturday night
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The prodigy broke down in tears and was eventually consoled by his parents, who were in the crowd at Alexandra Palace.
And darts fans have got behind Littler on social media, with many backing him to compete with the likes of Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen for glory.
He uploaded a post with a caption that read: “Fought until the end and just good to be through to the next round.
“Looking forward to heading home now for Christmas then back again for more. Cheers for all the support.”
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One user replied: “You’re too hard on yourself.
Hit your doubles Set 1. Took control S3. Set a new Workds (sic) Record S4. A lot to be proud of mate.”
A second said: “Loved the passion shown tonight. Sometimes you have to dig deep and that is when you find out who you really are!”
Another added: “I hope Santa brings you a bigger trophy case because you’re going to need it! Have a Merry Christmas and keep on rockin’ Luke!”
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A fourth fan wrote: “Can’t even imagine the pressure you must be under young man, the whole darts World watching your every move.
“A tough few sets, then wow, back to yourself, have a lovely family Christmas, forget about the darts, then break more records when you return, take care.”
And a fifth said: “Yes Luke! Amazing performance. So inspirational – lots of people now interested in darts again because of you.”
Meanwhile, Littler explained his tears after securing victory over Meikle at Ally Pally.
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Luke Littler was consoled by his parents at the World Darts Championship on Saturday night
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“That was probably the toughest game I’ve ever played, but you’ve got to get over the line,” he said.
“I don’t know where I pulled that last set from, but I just had to fight until the end.
“When I got on that stage I felt really nervous, but I managed to find my game from somewhere. I know I am the favourite, but you have to focus on winning your first game, and that’s what I did tonight.
“Like I said, it’s the worst game I’ve played. I’ve never felt anything like that tonight.”
Luke Littler admitted to nerves during his win over Ryan Meikle at the World Darts Championship
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He told Sky: “It’s probably the first and the biggest time it [pressure] has hit me.
“The Premier League, first night against Luke Humphries, I was nervous then, but throughout the year – all the European tours, all the majors I’ve played – I’ve been fine.
“Coming here, leading up to it, fine. As soon as George Noble [referee] said ‘game on’, I was just like – couldn’t throw them.”
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