World champion Luke Littler has ended rumours of his retirement and said he plans to stay in the sport for a “long time” ahead of Thursday's Premier League play-offs.
The 18-year-old will face Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals at the O2 Arena as he looks to defend his first TV title.
His semi-final opponent Nathan Aspinall sparked speculation on Tuesday by saying Littler could “go away in about five years' time”, but the Premier League champion dismissed the suggestions and reiterated his ambition to surpass Phil Taylor's 16 world titles.
“I heard about it, but I don't know where he got it from. Don't worry, I'll be here for another 10 years,” Littler said.
“Even thinking about retiring is crazy. If I win 16 world titles like Phil, then I'll think about retiring, but right now I don't even think about it – there's the opportunity to win, especially the World Championship, but not only because of that, because everything has become more accessible.
“It all depends on how you feel, and I'm sure I'll be here for a long time.”
Last month, Littler admitted burnout could be his biggest problem, although he acknowledges the target on his back means he has to constantly perform at his best.
He aims to do that on Thursday in London and emulate the success of Taylor and Michael van Gerwen by winning back-to-back Premier League titles.
Littler added: “I've had a target on my back for the last 18 months. Ever since I first came on tour and got to the World Championship final, I just knew.
“From the moment I entered my first Pro Tour (floor competition), I knew everyone was out to beat me. That's still the case. There's always going to be a target on my back, and I know if I'm not at my best, they're going to get me.”
Aspinall could face Littler in the Premier League final if he can beat world number one Luke Humphries.
The 33-year-old athlete says he can't imagine Littler competing in the sport at his age.
“Even now, Luke could retire and never have to worry about money again, that's obvious,” Aspinall said.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
