Luke Littler’s girlfriend’s four-word vow to darts star on birthday | Other | Sport

Luke Littler’s girlfriend Faith Millar has shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram as the back-to-back darts world champion marks his 19th birthday. The meteoric rise of Littler’s career is truly remarkable, particularly considering he remains a teenager.

The world No. 1 has amassed nearly £3million in prize money since his breakthrough performance at Alexandra Palace over two years ago, and has recently secured a lucrative £20million, 10-year deal with Target. ‘The Nuke’ expanded his collection of silverware on Tuesday by claiming the Saudi Darts Masters crown and banking £30,000 – a rather generous birthday gift by anyone’s standards. To mark the occasion, Littler’s girlfriend Faith shared a sweet tribute, posting an adorable selfie of the couple in a car on her Instagram story, accompanied by the caption: “Happy birthday my love (heart emoji),” before adding: “I love you always x.”

Littler reshared the image to his own story as the pair prepare to celebrate both his Middle Eastern triumph and his birthday. The reigning world champion defeated Michael van Gerwen 8-5 in Tuesday’s final, having earlier avenged his loss to Gerwyn Price in the semi-final – the Welshman who eliminated him from the Bahrain Darts Masters – and overcome Gian van Veen once more in the quarter-final.

Speaking on ITV4, Littler said: “Obviously last week it didn’t work out in Bahrain but really glad to come over to Saudi Arabia for the first time and be the first winner. Michael got back into it so I had to find my form again but I’m just really glad to win. As players coming over here, we didn’t know what to expect but there’s been a brilliant turnout.”

Despite his victory, Littler confessed he was “gutted” that nobody managed a nine-darter during the entire competition. Meanwhile, Matchroom’s continued deference to Saudi backing has transformed the sport into something of a spectacle.

A £75,000 bonus awaited any player achieving a nine-dart leg, with an additional £75,000 available from the Saudi organisers if they could hit the bullseye with a special tenth dart. Littler added: “Obviously it’s on everyone’s minds. All the players know what’s up for grabs so if you get the first treble and then miss, you are gutted. But hopefully we can come back next year and someone can hit a nine-darter.”

Littler also revealed his plans to mark both his birthday and Saudi success with Faith and his family in Dubai. He explained: “Obviously, I’m celebrating my birthday tomorrow. I’m going over to Dubai with my family and girlfriend to have three days off.”