Could Luke Littler have a new teenage darts rival? Jenson Walker, 17, almost jumps off the stage after first round win at the UK Open… having only taken up the sport in lockdown!
- Walker defeated Sebastian Bialecki in the first round of the competition in Minehead
- He lost in the second round but claimed a victory in his TV debut on Friday
- Littler entered the competition in the fourth round a day after playing in the Premier League
Luke Littler may have a new darts rival on the horizon after a 17-year-old’s success on day one of the UK Open.
The tournament kicked off in Minehead on Friday, the day after the Premier League’s fifth round, which saw Littler reach the semi-finals before losing to Rob Cross.
The world’s top stars will not be in action until later in the competition, with Little taking part in the fourth round later on Friday, taking on former Premier League winner James Wade.
Jenson Walker, meanwhile, defeated Sebastian Bialecki in the first round of the competition, winning his TV debut 6-4 before almost running off the stage in celebration.
At the same age as Littler, it is suggested that Walker, like the World Championship runner-up, could enjoy a meteoric rise in darts and compete among the best.
Luke Littler (pictured) could have a new teenage darts rival after Jenson Walker’s success at the UK Open
17-year-old Jenson Walker won his television debut in the first round of the UK Open on Friday
Littler has continued its good form into 2024, moving into second place in the Premier League on Thursday
After knocking out a 78 to claim victory at the Open, Walker sprinted toward the main stage crowd and let out raw emotion before returning to the oche to shake his opponent’s hand.
Bialecki was gracious in defeat and appeared to wish his opponent well at the end of the match.
Unfortunately for darts fans and Walker himself, there is no chance of him facing Littler in the competition, with the teenager losing 6-3 to German Tim Wolters in the second round.
The players will compete for a prize fund of £110,000, with the winner being crowned on Sunday.
Walker almost jumped off the main stage in Minehead as he celebrated knocking out 78 for the win
Target darts paid tribute to their client’s first round victory on his television debut in Minehead
“No way, he’s 17,” said one fan on social media, while another added: “Absolutely brilliant!!!!”
Target darts, who recently signed Littler after Walker put pen to paper in 2022, said: “That was very impressive from Jenson Walker there! You almost jump into the crowd to celebrate, you can see what it means!’
It is said that Walker first started playing darts at the age of 13 during lockdown.