Fast Results
Scores
Gary Anderson blasts media over their attention on 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler at the PDC World Darts Championship
Gary Anderson gave the media a serious warning over their attention on 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler at the PDC World Darts Championship.
The Flying Scotsman could meet the teenager in the quarter-finals at the Alexandra Palace if he defeats Brendan Dolan in the fourth round and Littler takes care of fellow legend Raymond van Barneveld.
But Anderson would not be drawn on the hype surrounding the teenager, who is among the favourites for glory, and instead blasted the media coverage that could put too much pressure on his shoulders.
The two-time world champion used Josh Rock as an example of how young stars can go off the boil if they are touted as the "next big thing."
Speaking after his victory over Boris Krcmar on Friday night, Anderson said: "We had another youngster called Josh Rock that all you press destroyed. So if it ever goes tits up with Luke, then give yourself a pat on the back. That's the way it's going. Let the boy play darts.
"Let the boy play darts. If it all goes wrong, give yourselves a pat on the back."
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) December 29, 2023
Gary Anderson has strong words for the media about their attention on Luke Littler and compares
it to Josh Rock. pic.twitter.com/NutvRZKOtS
"Today he's had cameras, zoom calls, Sky meetings. He's had a great tournament but what happens if it goes Pete Tong now. You guys have ruined it. Just like Josh Rock, fantastic player but you guys have set him back.
"You have no idea how many young dart players we see coming through the system with people saying 'this is going to be the next best thing'. Pressure goes on them, all goes Pete Tong, where are they now? Go back the last 10 years tell me when all those youngsters are now?"
WATCH PAUL NICHOLSON'S VERDICT ON LUKE LITTLER AND GARY ANDERSON
READ OUR WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE
Our free guide to the 2024 Paddy Power World Darts Championship is out now and includes expert insight, stats-based player profiles, the complete draw bracket, our best bets and more.
WATCH: HOW TO BECOME A DARTS PROFESSIONAL
Leading pundit and former major winner Paul Nicholson joins host Dom Newton and Sporting Life's darts expert Chris Hammer to discuss the 'darting pyramid', the importance of averages, how to crack Q School and other factors such as choosing sponsors, nicknames and walk-on music.
World Darts Championship 2024: Friday results & Saturday schedule
Friday December 29
Afternoon Session (12.30pm GMT)
Third Round (Best of 7 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts
- Damon Heta 4-3 Berry van Peer
- Jonny Clayton 4-2 Krzysztof Ratajski
- Jim Williams 1-4 Raymond van Barneveld
Evening Session (7pm GMT)
Third/Fourth Round (Best of 7 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts
- Boris Krcmar 1-4 Gary Anderson (R3)
- Michael van Gerwen 4-0 Stephen Bunting (R4)
- Michael Smith 0-4 Chris Dobey
Saturday December 30
Afternoon Session (12.30pm GMT)
Fourth Round (Best of 7 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts
- Scott Williams v Damon Heta (R4)
- Daryl Gurney v Dave Chisnall (R4)
- Rob Cross v Jonny Clayton (R4)
Evening Session (7pm GMT)
Fourth Round (Best of 7 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts
- Brendan Dolan v Gary Anderson (R4)
- Raymond van Barneveld v Luke Littler (R4)
- Luke Humphries v Joe Cullen (R4)
CLICK HERE FOR FULL WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Darts: Related content
- 2023 PDC Darts Calendar
- 2024 World Darts draw, schedule & results
- 2024 World Darts Championship guide
- 2024 World Darts Championship betting tips
- 2024 World Darts Championship player profiles
- Ally Pally pundit predictions
- Watch our World Darts preview show and predictions
- Watch how to become a darts professional
- 2024 PDC Darts Calendar
- 2024 Premier League Season
- How legends would fare today
- Troubles and triumphs
- Tournament ideas for darts
- 'What If' moments in darts
- Agony of missed match darts
- Good, Bad, Ugly: Nicholson on darts shirts
- Referees in darts
- Calling the shots in darts
- Weird actions in darts
- Hidden talents in darts
- Superstitions in darts
- Routes to glory
- Paul Nicholson's five darts drills
- Paul Nicholson's five mental tips
- Paul Nicholson's five practice games
- Worst losers in darts
- World number ones in darts
- Best players never to be number one
- Five characters in darts
- Do averages lie?
- Greatest Tournaments Ever
- Paul Nicholson's Ally Pally tales
- Watch all the Ally Pally nine-darters
- Players everyone hates to face
- Players everyone loves to face
- How to make it as a pro?
- How much money do players earn?
- Greatest darts rivalries
- Rivalries to cherish
- Be canny with counting
- Phil Taylor's greatest display
- Greatest World Championship displays
- World Cup of Great Darts performances
- Sky Bet's darts odds