Meet snooker’s next generation – but veteran reckons they won’t be like Luke Littler as it’s a harder game than darts
MARK ALLEN says snooker is unlikely to have a ‘Luke Littler moment’ — because it is a harder sport to play than darts.
Like most of the country, the Pistol watched in awe as tungsten teen Littler, then aged just 16, raced into the PDC World Darts Championship final last month.
Though he missed out on the £500,000 jackpot to Luke Humphries, the Warrington lad became a household name and raised darts’ profile.
There are talented teens coming through in snooker like 17-year-olds Stan Moody and Liam Davies, and 19-year-old Liam Graham.
But none of them are anywhere near the same level as Littler.
World No 3 Allen said: “It was ridiculous what he achieved at the World Championship.
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“It’s probably going to take darts to another level. It was already doing really, really well.
“Could it be done in snooker? You can never say never.
“Ronnie O’Sullivan came on the scene and won the UK Championship at 17 but he didn’t then dominate.
“It will be interesting to see with Luke Littler whether he goes on to dominate, or just pick up a few here and there.
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“It would be great for snooker if someone can begin doing that at a young age but snooker’s a harder game, I’ve always said it.
“There are some good juniors but whether they come through and dominate like Littler . . . Maybe someday, I don’t think so right now.”
Snooker and darts players often clash on social media over which is harder — a nine-darter or 147 maximum break? Unsurprisingly, Allen reckons a 147 is harder and added: “There’s more to it, darts can be quite repetitive, the target doesn’t change.”
Darts and snooker come under the control of Matchroom Sport, the company set up by promoter Barry Hearn 42 years ago.
Allen, 38, said: “Hopefully, Luke’s got a good team around him.
"The people who run darts at Matchroom look after him with the media a bit.
“He’s a talented kid and if he continues to work hard he will have a very bright future.”