Luke Littler to take on World Darts’ oldest player in Bahrain Masters opener with 53-YEAR age gap
Luke Littler to Take on World Darts’ Oldest Player in Bahrain Masters Opener with 53-Year Age Gap
Luke Littler’s Bahrain Masters campaign will begin with one of the most striking generational clashes darts has ever seen, as the teenage world champion is set to face the sport’s oldest active player in the opening round.
The matchup will feature a remarkable 53-year age gap, underlining both Littler’s extraordinary rise and the enduring longevity of darts at the highest level. Still in his teens, Littler continues to break records for youth and achievement, while his opponent represents a living link to an earlier era of the game.
For Littler, the tie is another reminder of how quickly his career has accelerated. Already a multiple world champion, the young Englishman enters the Bahrain Masters as one of the tournament favourites, despite having only recently returned to competitive action following his World Championship triumph.
His opponent, meanwhile, remains a crowd favourite and a symbol of darts’ timeless appeal — proof that experience and composure can keep players competitive well into their later years. While the age difference is headline-grabbing, the contest itself is expected to draw huge interest, with fans eager to see youth and longevity collide on the World Series stage.
The Bahrain Masters has a history of producing memorable moments, and this opening-round tie fits that tradition perfectly. Littler’s explosive scoring power and fearless approach will be tested against decades of experience, tactical nous and stagecraft.
Despite the novelty of the age gap, Littler has insisted in recent interviews that he approaches every opponent the same way, regardless of reputation or age. His focus remains firmly on performance rather than narrative.
As darts continues to embrace a new generation of stars, this encounter neatly captures the sport’s unique ability to bridge eras. One player represents the future, the other its past — and for one night in Bahrain, they will share the same stage.
