Fans ‘in tears’ as Sir Chris Hoy presents Luke Littler with World Darts Championship trophy despite cancer battle

LUKE LITTLER has been presented with the World Darts Championship trophy award by Sir Chris Hoy as he was named world champion for the first time

The Nuke took on three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen in the final at Ally Pally to be crowned world champion.

And after the thrilling final, which Littler won 7-3, the six-time Olympic champion cyclist presented the Sid Waddell trophy for winning the tournament.

Meanwhile, Littler also won the Ballon d'Art award for the most 180s thrown during the tournament.

Going into the final, Littler had proven himself to be the king of the 180 by hitting an incredible 64 180s, while Van Gerwen was level with Callan Rydz as runner-up on 43.

Littler hit another 12 180s in the final, though Van Gerwen's own 13 180s were not enough to take another championship.

Hoy, 48, revealed in February that he was battling prostate cancer, before announcing in October that it was stage-four cancer and terminal.

Last year a tumour was found in Hoy’s shoulder and a second scan found primary cancer in his prostate, which has metastasised to his bones.

On his appearance at Ally Pally, one fan said: "Sir Chris Hoy on stage at Darts Worlds, giving the trophy to Luke Littler on his Worlds victory. Chuckling in tears right now as a cycling & darts fan."

A second said: "Chris Hoy appearance this is the best thing about this game."

A third said: "Chris Hoy is a hero."

Another said: "Chris Hoy presenting the trophy that’s a touch of class."

A fifth added: "One legend hands the trophy to another. Luke Littler. What a champion. And great to see Sir Chris Hoy looking so well."

Another wrote: "Oh wow, seeing the amazing Sir Chris Hoy brought tears to my eyes."

PaddyPower and Sky Sports have an initiative at the darts called the BIGGER 180 in conjunction with Prostate Cancer UK to raise to try to raise awareness of the 30-second online risk checker.

The tournament has also seen £1,000 given to charity for every 180 hit, as well as £60,000 to Prostate Cancer UK, the player, and a randomly selected fan in the crowd for every nine-darter.

Hoy – who recently did a charity cycle ride around Cambodia – said: “This isn’t about medals or records. It’s about saving lives.

“If sharing my story gets just one person to check their risk or book a screening, then it’s all been worth it. I didn’t have any symptoms until it was too late.

“By the time I felt pain, it wasn’t in my prostate anymore – it was secondary cancer in my bones. If I’d thought to check earlier, maybe I’d have caught it in time.

“That’s why this campaign is so important – so others don’t end up in the same situation. Sport is where men connect, laugh and bond.

“It’s also the perfect place to deliver an important message – don’t wait, act now. If we can get blokes talking about their health at Ally Pally, between pints and 180s, then we’ve already won.”

Hoy was also seen in attendance at the SPOTY awards in December, where he gave a rousing speech praising the efforts of Team GB's stars at the Paris Games this past summer.

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