Rarely-seen ‘nine-dart shootout’ returns as Luke Littler set to make debut at Grand Slam of Darts

LUKE LITTLER is preparing to make his debut in the Grand Slam of Darts.

The prestigious tournament gets underway on November 9 with Luke Humphries bidding to defend the title he won last year.

The nine-day competition begins with group stage games before four knock-out ties including the final, which will be played on November 17.

But unlike other ranking events there is the opportunity for added entertainment thanks to the tournament format.

If players finish tied on points and leg difference after the group stage they will face off in a nine-dart battle for a place in the second round.

Each player is given nine darts and whoever achieves the highest score will progress.

That could suit a player like Littler, who is one of the best treble hitters in the game.

He will feature in the Grand Slam of Darts for the first time as one of the best 32 ranked players in the world.

And he could become a teenage millionaire if he wins the tournament.

There is a £150,000 prize pot up for grabs in Wolverhampton and Littler could cash in once again after a remarkable year.

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LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship at the beginning of the year.

Littler, 17, turned pro in January and is 18th on the two-year Order of Merit, with £405,000 to his name.

And becoming the youngest-ever Premier League champ in May earned him another £315,000.

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Playing on the World Series of Darts tour, with trips to New York, New Zealand and Australia, saw him scoop £150,000.

So a win at the Grand Slam of Darts could see him break into seven figures.