James Wade has admitted he feels sorry for Luke Littler – and hopes the teenager is going to get the right guidance and support throughout his career.

Wade feels the 17-year-old, who turns 18 next month, doesn’t have the same pure determination to dominate darts like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen had.

He told the Mirror: “I don’t think there’s anyone out there particularly dominant like Phil was, definitely not now.

“Luke Humphries has been very, very good – and Luke Littler, we will see how good he is going to be. He has done some amazing things.

“But I feel sorry for him and I am really concerned for him when he turns 18. It could be really hard for him when he turns 18. He needs guidance, but he’s a lovely kid and he is in a rough man’s world.

“Has he got amazing talent and ability? Yes, he has. Has he got that burning desire that Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen had? No, he hasn’t.

“He’s also breaking the mould, he is only going to have to play darts for 10 years to be financially set.”