World Darts Championship winner Luke Littler split from his long-term management just months before mounting his title defence at Alexandra Palace and has now issued an update
Target Darts will manage Luke Littler for the foreseeable future, with Littler himself confirming the news. Reigning PDC world champion Littler recently announced a split with ZXF Sports Management after several years, confirming the news on the eve of his run to World Grand Prix glory.
“Target has been part of my career from the very beginning, and I’ve always had a great relationship with everyone there,” The Nuke said in a statement. “I’m really happy to have their backing as I continue to focus on my game and prepare for the big tournaments ahead.”
Target referenced an existing sponsorship agreement with Littler when announcing the latest development, saying he had been “part of Team Target” since the age of 12. “We’ve worked closely with Luke and his family for many years and are proud to have been part of his incredible journey. Luke’s professionalism, focus, and natural talent make him a truly special player, and we’re committed to providing the support and structure he needs to reach even greater heights,” a spokesperson said.
Last week, Littler spoke publicly about making a move away from his previous management. “I want to say a massive thank you to @Zxfsports, and especially @Martin_foulds84, for everything they’ve done for me so far in my career,” he wrote on social media. “We’ve had some amazing times together over the last five years and I’ll always be grateful for the advice and support that’s helped me get to this point.
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“As my career moves forward and the schedule also gets busier we’ve all agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation,” he added. The Nuke went on to win the World Grand Prix in dramatic fashion, hammering Luke Humphries 6-1 in the final.
Littler first made mention of Target’s role going forward when he spoke to media after defeating Gian van Veen in the first round of the World Grand Prix. He followed that victory with triumphs over Mike De Decker, Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton before overcoming Humphries in the final.
“I’m on my own. Just as myself, I think it’s better,” Littler told Sportsboom last week. “Obviously I’ve got my family to support me and obviously [former manager] Martin [Foulds] had done his job, but I think it was the right time. Booking flights, hotels and all that stuff and we’re on our own.
“I’m going to have help from Garry [Plummer] at Target as well. It’s going to be massive; we’re going in the right direction. No one knows what’s been going on behind the scenes. And I won’t be saying anything, but it was just the right time.”
Littler, who doesn’t turn 19 until January, followed his World Grand Prix victory by heading to the World Youth Championship. He reached the semi-finals, where he averaged 107.40 against Beau Greaves, but women’s world No.1 Greaves pulled off a sensational victory.
“I had two 10-dart legs, missed double 12 for a nine and still couldn’t win,” Littler wrote on social media after his defeat. “Fair play to Beau. All the best in Minehead. Some talent.”