Darts starlet Mitchell Lawrie has played down comparisons between him and teen sensation Luke Littler.
The 15-year-old Scot made history on Sunday when he became the youngest player to ever win a match at the WDF World Championships.
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His memorable 3-0 victory over Japan’s Tomoya Maruyama at Lakeside featured two spectacular 145 checkouts, showcasing a composure that mirrors that of 18-year-old Littler, who gained fame for his run to the World Championship final in 2024.
With Lawrie now viewed as a serious contender for the championship, bookmakers are leaning towards him, establishing him as the favorite to lift the WDF World Championship trophy. However, before he can dream of glory, Lawrie must first conquer American Jason Brandon on Tuesday evening to secure his place in the last 16.
Lawrie’s recent accomplishments have inevitably drawn comparisons to Littler, who made headlines by finishing as the runner-up at the World Championships at just 16. Lawrie has further elevated expectations by breaking Littler’s youth records, becoming the youngest player to win the British Open, Welsh Open, and Irish Classic.
Following Suit?
Lawrie has been in the limelight since his stunning first-round victory, frequently asked about his connection to Littler. Responding to the hype, the young star made it clear: “I’ll never be him. I’ll always be Mitchell Lawrie at the end of the day,” he told Tungsten Tales Darts.
He expressed admiration for Littler, acknowledging the impact he’s had on the sport. “What he’s (Littler) done is unbelievable. He’s made this sport what it is,” Lawrie added. “There’s so much attention to it because of him but I’ll never be him, I’ll always be me and that’s just how it’s going to be.”
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Overnight Popularity
In recent days, Lawrie has found himself adjusting to a stark increase in popularity, as media attention intensifies around his pursuit of a historic title. Amidst this whirlwind, he’s managing to keep a cool head. “I don’t mind it, it’s alright,” he remarked, referring to the buzz surrounding him.
“You go on Facebook and stuff and you see your name everywhere. You have a chuckle at yourself and you show your mum and dad,” he noted, adding that he takes it all in stride. “It’s alright; you just need to take it in your stride and whatever comes with it will come with it, I guess.”
It appears Lawrie is well-prepared for whatever may come next. Asked whether he anticipates the attention on him to grow, he responded thoughtfully: “It might do, it might not. It just depends. I’m really not that bothered; I just want to play darts.”
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With potential victory at Lakeside, Lawrie stands to gain a substantial prize, amounting to £50,000, while even a runner-up finish would secure him £16,000. As he journeys through this exciting phase of his career, the darts world watches with bated breath, eager to see what this talented teen will achieve next.
