Luke Littler, 16, sails to fourth round of World Darts Championship

Luke Littler has sailed through to the fourth round of the PDC World Darts Championship after a series of incredible performances.

The 16-year-old prodigy returned to the game on Wednesday and left no stones unturned in his preparation. Celebrating Christmas at home, his mum, Lisa, posted a photo on Twitter showing him sitting by the Christmas tree and opening his presents.

Littler, who hails from Runcorn and now lives in Warrington, was destined for the top as he reportedly hit his first 180 after he joined a darts academy in St Helens. The star hasn't looked back since as he collected a number of junior trophies before his senior debut.

Luke Littler makes Christmas Day sacrifice as teen's World Darts Championship run continues

Darts star Luke Littler, 16, destined for greatness after incredible moment in Merseyside

Littler does not turn 17 until next month, and became the youngest player to win a match at the tournament when he defeated Christian Kist in the first round. The teenager has been hailed by former darts star Glen Durrant as “better than Michael van Gerwen”.

After defeating Matt Campbell in the third round of the World Darts Championship on Wednesday evening (December 27), Littler progresses to the fourth round where he will play either Jim Williams or Raymond van Barneveld.

Littler went 3-0 up against Campbell, before the final score was 4-1.

Littler has now guaranteed himself a payday of at least £35,000. Quarter-finalists will earn £50,000 and losing semi-finalists will get double that amount.

A run to the final will secure him £200,000 even if he finishes runner-up, with £500,000, an amount that has been in place to 2019, available to whoever is crowned champion come January 3, the Irish Mirror