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      My dad is a Darts World Cup winner – now I’m making my own way in the sport

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      THE son of darts World Cup winner Simon Whitlock will make his debut in the MODUS Super Series next week.Mason, 20, is following in his father’s footsteps and creating his own success on the oche.Mason Whitlock will make his debut in the MODUS Super Series next weekMason is the son of Aussie Darts sensation Simon WhitlockCredit: GettyDarts talent is apparently in the Whitlock family’s genes. Aussie star Simon, 55, has had a glittering career in the sport, winning the 2012 European Championship and 2022 World Cup of Darts for Australia with Damon Heta.And now his son Mason will compete in the MODUS Super Series – which is known as a great tournament to see some of the best players without a PDC Tour Card.This will be the youngster’s first time to show his dad is not the only one who can throw a 180.READ MORE IN DARTSMason has been playing on the PDC Development Tour since late 2021. There, he seems to be slowly maturing. In his first 22 tournaments, Mason made it to the last-64 twice and earned £100 in prize money.At the last nine tournaments, however, Mason earned £825 by reaching the last-32 three times. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe is currently 44th on the PDC Development Tour Order of Merit.Meanwhile, his dad – known as The Wizard – is widely regarded as the greatest Australian player of all time and is to thank for the rejuvenated popularity of darts Down Under.Shaun Custis and Rob Maul discuss the rise of Luke Littler and what the future holds for Darts wonderkidBut the Aussie has not been in top form this year after crashing out of the World Championship in the last 64 to Gary Anderson – currently ranked world No45. More

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      Diehard Man Utd fan Luke Littler gives one-word Ten Hag verdict as darts star is asked about Dutchman’s future

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      LUKE LITTLER has issued a one-word verdict on the future of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.The Dutchman has had question marks over his future in the Old Trafford dugout after an inconsistent season.Erik ten Hag’s job at Manchester United is not totally secureCredit: AlamyLuke Littler has given his support to Ten HagCredit: RexLittler, 17, is a diehard fan of Manchester United and was quizzed about the club’s managerial situation.The club have been linked with the likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Kieran McKenna as potential replacements for Ten Hag.When the darts star was asked whether he would keep Ten Hag at the club for next season.Littler gave a blunt but insistent verdict on the boss as he gave him a vote of confidence.READ MORE ON DARTSHe told BBC 5 Live Breakfast: “Yes.”Host Rick Edwards then suggested Southgate as a potential replacement but was interrupted by darts ace Nathan Aspinall.Aspinall said: “Keep him [Ten Hag]. Don’t get Gareth Southgate. Jesus.”Littler’s backing comes with Ten Hag’s side currently outside of the Champions League places.Most read in DartsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe club was also knocked out of the Champions League with a whimper as they finished at the bottom of their group.Ten Hag’s saving grace is that the club are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.Kebab-loving darts ace Luke Littler wants to trademark his name to flog gym gearMan United will face Coventry City on April 21, while Manchester City and Chelsea will compete for the other spot in the finals.Should Ten Hag be kept on at Old Trafford then he could be set for a reduced role in the club’s transfer business.This is due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos’ drive to hire more backroom staff.Meanwhile, Littler has vowed to continue engaging with fans on social media after trolling Jurgen Klopp and Neal Maupay.In January, he also revealed that he was outperforming Ten Hag as Man United manager on Football Manager.PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS TABLE: LATEST STANDINGS AS EIGHT STARS BATTLE FOR HUGE £275K PRIZE More

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      Eddie Hearn claims Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua will happen ‘THIS YEAR’ in bizarre Luke Littler question

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      EDDIE HEARN believes Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua WILL clash this year.The Brit duo have been publicly jawing down one another for the best part of a decade and even inked terms for a scrap in 2020.Promoter Eddie Hearn believes AJ will share the ring with Fury later this yearCredit: GettyPromoter Eddie Hearn believes AJ will share the ring with Fury later this yearCredit: EPAPromoter Eddie Hearn believes AJ will share the ring with Fury later this yearCredit: GettyBut their eagerly-anticipated domestic dust-up has yet to come to fruition, much to the frustration of boxing fans worldwide.Their long overdue Battle of Britain, however, is now back on the menu following four wins on the bounce for former unified heavyweight king Joshua.And in a bizarre question involving darts star Luke Littler, Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn revealed his belief that the biggest fight in the sport will materialise before year’s end.He told talkTV’s Piers Morgan: “Because the Darts Championship happens in December and January, I’m gonna say that Fury vs AJ happens this year.READ MORE IN BOXING”So I’m gonna say Fury vs AJ [happens first].”Boxing fans were set to be treated to back-to-back showdowns involving Fury and Joshua after the pair inked a lucrative two-fight series in June 2020.But the deal went up in smoke when former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder won his arbitration case for a trilogy fight with the Gypsy King.Joshua, 34, got himself back in world title contention in 2023 with three solid wins.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd he solidified his status as one of the best heavyweights on the planet with a brutal knockout of former UFC champ Francis Ngannou last month.For Fury vs Joshua to happen this year, the former must first win his upcoming back-to-back undisputed showdowns with former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.The contractual obligation for the pair to rematch will likely scupper Hearn’s prediction.Meanwhile, Littler rose to global superstardom during the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship.He stunned the world last year with an incredible run to the tournament’s final, which included wins over Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross.But he was pipped to the Sid Wadell trophy by Luke Humphries, although his run to the final bagged him a spot in the Premer League of Darts.Will AJ vs Fury actually happen?SunSport boxing correspondent Wally Downes Jr answers the big questions around Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury finally facing each other…
      Could we finally see Fury vs AJ this year?
      Simply: Yes.
      Before the Saudi takeover of boxing – spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh, would we have seen Fury vs Francis Ngannou, AJ vs Ngannou, Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker, Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn working together and shaking hands for photos?
      Simply: No.
      The rules, rankings, sanctioning bodies and broadcast and promotional disputes are all irrelevant when this much money is thrown at prize fighting.
      How would it work?
      It feels like the winner of Fury vs Usyk on May 18 will fight AJ as soon after as possible.
      There is a rematch clause in the current deal for Britain’s WBC champ and Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO king to meet and decide the first undisputed ruler for 25 years.
      But it seems certain the belts will fragment afterwards – with a string of mandatory challengers due their crack at the four separate belts – so the clamour for AJ vs the winner might be bigger than the demand for a rerun for fewer belts.
      Where would it happen?
      It feels like every major fight is now going to happen in Saudi Arabia.
      But don’t rule out a potential Fury vs Ngannou clash taking place at Wembley stadium.
      It seems like the Saudis are keen to eventually host shows in the UK and that fight, at the home of football, would be some debut.
      If Usyk topples the Gypsy King then the hype for him to face AJ for a third time will be far less intense.
      Why this time?
      It feels like we have twice come close to seeing the clash but there were simply too many hurdles and disputes in the way – similar to the way AJ vs Wilder still hasn’t happened.
      But with Alalshikh now making Hearn’s Matchroom and Warren’s Queensberry play nice and letting Sky Sports, TNT and DAZN share the shows, there is far less to fight over in the boardroom and loads on to battle for in the ring.
      And if Fury beats Usyk and rightfully demands a huge percentage of an overdue Joshua meeting, then the Saudi’s have the cash and the clout to hand him 99 per cent of the pie – to massage his ego and bank balance – and hand AJ as much extra dough as needed to keep everyone sweet.
      Who wins?
      If Fury sets up an AJ clash by beating Oleksandr Usyk – the mathematics and stats make it clear only a maniac would back Joshua to triumph in the all-English clash.
      Usyk dominated AJ over two one-sided fights, on foreign soil.
      The Watford man has enjoyed a spike in form and respect since linking up with new trainer Ben Davison but a 20st 6ft 9in Fury – who has just slayed the gap-toothed southpaw – would be almost invincible.
      But in any major football derby or cup final the formbook is often aimed out of the window. And perhaps a rejuvenated hungry AJ could be too much for an undisputed and fulfilled Fury to handle.

      Hearn and his dad Barry – unlike the darts board – had no reservations about putting him in the competition.Recalling their conversation with the board, Eddie said: “Our answer was, ‘Yeah, absolutely. Sling him in.'”Barry is a big fan of Littler and reckons it won’t be long before he gets his hands on the Sid Waddell trophy.He said: “To win the world championships it might take him another year. I’ve seen players like Michael van Gerwen, at his age, do similar things – amazing things.”And it was followed by a two or three-year period where Michael van Gerwen couldn’t win an argument.”I think Luke Littler is more balanced and settled than Michael was, domestically and on the stage. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it’s still an obstacle to overcome – the marathon of all sports.”Forget everything else, the darts world championships is a real mental test.”Barry and Eddie Hearn reckon Luke Littler is a world champion in the makingCredit: AP More

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      ‘New job incoming’ – England star Chloe Kelly teases career move just like darts prodigy Luke Littler

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      READY, shreddie, Chlo! Lionesses’ star Chloe Kelly could become a cereal thriller like Luke Littler after posing with a specially-named grain.The Manchester City winger shared snaps as she wore whacky animal gear to hold up Kellogg’s “Chlo Chlo Pops” in training and say: “New job incoming.”Chloe Kelly might make a pocket from any promotional dealCredit: Instagram @chloekellyPerhaps her new cereal could also have been called Kelly’s CheeriosCredit: Instagram @chloekellyLuke Littler became the face of new cereal brand BEST this weekCredit: The SidemenKelly impressed fans with this Brits outfit on SundayCredit: Instagram chloekellyThe 39-cap England ace is happy to be snapped at glam eventsCredit: RexDarts sensation Littler, 17, has been signed up by YouTubers Sideman to promote their new BEST cereal.Now Kelly, 26, might soon be milking it too – as she reckons Chlo Chlo Pops has “got a ring to it”.The former Everton and Arsenal ace grinned as she unveiled a family-sized packet of a pop-ular first meal of the day.And if it’s true that you are what you eat, then fans will be flocking to buy her cereal, should they ever be released.READ MORE TOP STORIESThat’s judging by the reaction to her appearance at Sunday’s Brit Awards. Observers praised her “stunning look” and “unreal style” in a black dress during the major night for music at London’s O2 Arena.Posting pictures to Instagram, Kelly wrote: “Have some behind the scenes.”Now instead she might be arrowing in on a new line of endorsement taken by Littler.Most read in FootballThe Warrington whizkid fronted this week’s launch of BEST in his own cheeky style.He was shown in an advert tucking into a bowl while throwing three bulleyes – without ever moving his eyes away from the cereal.Darts sensation Luke Littler drops teaser to announce huge new deal with cereal brand – and leaves fans ‘creasing’ The Londoner has 846,000 followers on InstagramCredit: AlamyKelly displays her athletic body in a string of shots posted onlineCredit: Instagram @chloekellyThis outfit helped Kelly shine at London Fashion Week last monthCredit: GettyKelly has been a key player for Man City since joining in 2020Credit: Rex More

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      Jurgen Klopp compares Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns to darts sensation and Man Utd fan Luke Littler

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      JURGEN KLOPP has likened Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns to darts sensation Luke Littler.Danns, 18, has been thrust into the spotlight due to the injury crisis currently blighting the Merseysiders.Jayden Danns bagged a brace in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Southampton on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyKop chief Jurgen Klopp was blown away by the 18-year-old’s displayCredit: APThe German has drawn comparisons between Danns and darts sensation Luke LittlerCredit: GETTYThe teenage forward showed his potential by bagging a brace in the Reds’ FA Cup fifth-round clash with Southampton on Wednesday night.And Klopp has likened the promise Danns has shown in his three first-team appearances to Littler – an avid Manchester United fan – reaching the PDC World Darts Championship final at the tender age of 16.Speaking after the 3-0 win, the German said: “It is [a] little bit like the new darts sensation, it is fine for tonight.”Tomorrow, leave the boys in the corner.READ MORE ON LUKE LITTLER”Everyone who is with us, we should have our moments, they will have more moments than we expect.”The soon-to-be-departed Klopp has been blown away by the composure Danns has shown during his brief run in the first team.He said: “[He’s an] exceptional talent.”Of course, it is not natural that a boy 18, is as calm as you like.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The second goal calm as you like.”Klopp’s Carabao Cup-winning youngsters drew praise from their gaffer for their rout of the Championship outfit.Liverpool 3 Southampton 0: Jayden Danns scores twice after Lewis Koumas goal as Klopp’s kids set up Man Utd FA Cup clashHe said: “The first 15 minutes we were all over the place. We tried to press but the timing was horrendous and Southampton used that.”We found a way into the game and the goal we scored was in a nearly perfect moment, it felt like a momentum change and then an exceptional finish from Lewis.”We now had the momentum rather than Southampton and won a lot of high balls and scored.”The play was special, the way we won the balls was special and something like that, as impossible as it seems, can happen.”Maybe the people (fans) don’t forget it when the transfer window opens, don’t close the door (on young players) with 12 signings.”Liverpool will be back in action on Saturday, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest. More

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      Luke Littler fires savage three-word dig at Douglas Luiz after Man Utd’s dramatic late win over Aston Villa

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      LUKE LITTLER savaged Douglas Luiz with a cheeky dig after Manchester United beat Aston Villa.The Villa midfielder was at the centre of several key incidents in the second half, including scoring an equaliser.
      Luke Littler aimed a cheeky dig at Douglas Luiz after Manchester United beat Aston VillaCredit: Alamy
      Littler took aim at the midfielder over his shimmy celebrationCredit: Rex
      After finding the net Luiz shimmied his shoulders in celebration as he took a knee, leaving Rio Ferdinand baffled.
      The Brazilian later explained he was getting into the carnival spirit – but Littler was not too amused.
      The Manchester United fan aimed a dig at Luiz after Scott McTominay headed in a winner to hand the Red Devils all three points.
      Darts sensation Littler shared a photo of Luiz on social media alongside the caption: “Karma is real.”
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Luiz, 25, also had a flare-up with Rasmus Hojlund as the United goalscorer was substituted.
      He felt Hojlund was taking too long to leave the field of play so tried to hurry the striker up, with the two going face-to-face.
      Luiz was also accused of aiming his direction towards Raphael Varane as a provocation, but Erik ten Hag played down talk of a dispute between the pair.
      The United boss said: “I don’t have an opinion about that. I haven’t spoken to the players. I don’t think it is important.”
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      Littler, 17, is an avid United fan and recently showed some of his idols his skills as he hit a 180 at Carrington.
      Afterwards he admitted he was more nervous to meet United’s stars than he is when stepping up to the oche.
      Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund taunts Aston Villa crowd after Scott McTominay winner
      He said: “It was crazy to meet my idols.
      “I have been watching them for a very long time.
      “It was great to get that opportunity. More nervous than the world final? Yeah.” More

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      Chelsea fans take anger at Pochettino to Darts Masters as Van Gerwen opponent is welcomed with ‘clown’ sign

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      FANS pleading for Mauricio Pochettino to check out of Stamford Bridge took their protests to the final of the Cazoo Darts Masters.Banners calling the Blues’ boss a “clown” were held up as Englishman Stephen Bunting came out to face Michael van Gerwen.
      Posters venting frustration at Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino were unveiled as darts ace Stephen Bunting walked out for his special night
      Pochettino suffered during Chelsea’s 4-2 home loss against Wolves and the response from angry supporters extended to the Cazoo Darts MastersCredit: Alamy
      The anti-Poch message appeared to have been hastily scrawled
      Sunday’s 4-2 home defeat against Wolves left Chelsea 11th in the Premier League – despite Pochettino spending around £450million on new signings last summer.
      Supporters were hardly reassured afterwards – as the Argentinian promised the Blues would not go down rather than pledge an unlikely push for a European spot.
      And after Chelsea conceded four goals in successive league games for the first time since 1989, Poch said: “It is like everything is going wrong.”
      Defender Thiago Silva’s wife Bella didn’t help by posting on Instagram: “It’s time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late.”
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      And discontent over Pochettino’s record then spread from Stamford Bridge to Milton Keynes – for Sunday’s big night at the oche.
      Instead of celebrating an expected victory over Wolves with Bunting, Chelsea fans bemoaned a surprise defeat to the mid-table Midlanders with banners – as they unveiled “Poch is a clown” posters at the darts event live on TV.
      Bunting himself was far from put off as he rounded off his inspired tournament by beating three-time world champ Van Gerwen 11-7.
      That gave the St Helens hurler, 38, his first ever televised PDC title.
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      Bunting hammered Peter Wright 10-2, Nathan Aspinall 11-1 and new world king Luke Humphries 10-7 before notching only his fourth triumph in 26 attempts against MVG.
      The English ace said: “I’m lost for words… This just shows my hard work is paying off, and it’s a great start to the season. 
      Under-fire Mauricio Pochettino speaks out after Chelsea hammered 4-2 by Wolves
      “Michael is a multiple world champion. He’s a fantastic player.
      “That is where I want to get my game back to so let’s see what happens in the future, but I really think I deserve this trophy.
      “My main aim when I moved over from the BDO was to win big titles, but you’re playing the best of the best, and you’re going to be pushed all the way.”
      Pochettino might hope some of Bunting’s transformed fortune rubs off on him.
      But he won’t want to get what the weekend hero has for a nickname – The Bullet. More

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      Luke Littler reveals inspirational three-word message from Man Utd hero Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of Premier League debut

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      LUKE LITTLER has revealed that he was told to “keep at it” by his idol Sir Alex Ferguson.The Warrington wonderkid met up with the legendary Scottish Manchester United boss on a recent trip to Old Trafford.
      Luke Littler met Manchester United legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Littler enjoyed a recent visit to Old Trafford to meet his Man Utd heroesCredit: Getty
      Ferguson told Littler to ‘keep at it’ during their brief meetingCredit: Getty
      Littler, 17, then went back to meet up with the full squad at their Carrington training ground a week ago.
      On Sir Alex the youngster – who has been banned from Peter Crouch’s podcast – said: “I didn’t really catch much of what he said. But I did hear him say ‘keep at it’.”
      Littler beat England defender Harry Maguire at darts which brought about huge cheers from the other players.
      He added: “The players just said, keep going. A lot of the players from abroad, they just shook my hand.
      Read More on Man Utd
      “I spoke with [Scott] McTominay and Maguire and the coach [Erik] Ten Hag. I didn’t really catch much of what he said, I did hear him say, stick to it and keep at it.”
      Littler, who makes his Premier League debut tonight in Cardiff, is certainly not scared of joining the big boys in the Premier League.
      He added: “This is what I have signed up for – to play with the best of the best.
      “I have got to somehow beat them every week. If I don’t beat them every week, then I will go home, go to the ProTours, get match practice and come back to whatever venue is next.
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      “If I do qualify for the EuroTours, that will help, I will take that as match practice, I need the rankings for Matchplay and Grand Prix.
      “I am looking forward to playing these boys week-in, week-out.
      “I am not bothered who I play. You can only beat what’s in front of you. You can only do your best to beat them.” More