Luke Littler won the Grand Prix and is already preparing for a new championship.

Luke Littler is preparing for the Youth World Championship

According to The Sun: 18-year-old Luke Littler will head to the Youth World Championship shortly after his Grand Prix victory.

In the final held in Leicester, he effortlessly defeated Luke Humphries 6-1, securing another important title.

Right after his victory, speaking to Sky Sports, Littler unexpectedly announced that he would be heading to Wigan, located just 15 miles from his hometown of Warrington, where the Youth World Championship will take place on Monday.

Littler said: “I’m going to the World Championship tomorrow, and I’m just going to have fun and see everyone.”

He also added: “I don’t think anyone will be my friend tomorrow, but it’s only a 20-minute drive, so I’ll try my best!”

Littler needs to register by 11:00 AM on Monday to participate in the competition.

The player from Warrington won this tournament’s title two years ago, having excelled in the final against Gian van Veen. The 23-year-old Dutchman van Veen won the title last year when Littler did not participate.

Littler’s decision came as a surprise to many, as he mentioned this summer that he would “gain little” from participating in the competition.

He summed up: “I could take a day off, but why not play at the Youth World Championship and two pro tournaments in Wigan? Then I’ll finally have some time off.”

Difficulty and prize money

The preliminary rounds of the World Championship will take place at Robin Park in Wigan. The two finalists will return to face each other in the final in Minehead on November 23 at the Players Championships.

The main prize will be £12,000, which is ten times less than Littler received for winning the Grand Prix.

Fans appreciated Littler’s unexpected decision, with one calling it: “Elite level trolling.”

Another jokingly added: “These kids will have to learn the hard way.”

Currently, Littler is £70,000 behind Humphries in the overall standings after his impressive victory.

Littler added: “I’m really happy that I managed this. It’s not the easiest tournament. This week has been very tough.”

“Not much remains. I learned at the World Matchplay that I need to score big when Luke puts pressure on me.”

“I couldn’t stop. I’m very happy that I won.”

“There are still many years ahead to get a nine-darter final in doubles. There isn’t much prize money between us. Luke now knows that I'm on his tail – and I’m not going anywhere.”

Luke Littler is ready for new challenges, as his participation in the Youth World Championship affirms his determination and desire to stay at the peak of his potential. His victory at the Grand Prix has given him confidence, and the new tournament will provide an opportunity not only to test his skills but also to solidify his status as one of the best young players in the world. By combining his success with a humorous touch, Littler is forging connections within the community of peers and fans, which will certainly come in handy in his future career.