Glen Durrant believes Luke Littler could retire sooner than people think despite being a professional for only six months.
Littler introduced himself to the darting world by reaching the World Championship final at 16-years-old.
Since then, he has picked up six PDC titles including the Premier League.
He has amassed over £600k in prize money in half a year and has catapulted the sport to new heights.
‘The Nuke’ has appeared on talk shows and podcasts, as well as collaborating with the likes of WWE, Manchester United and the England National football team.
Former Premier League Champion Durrant, however, thinks his enormous success could shorten his career.
‘Duzza’ expects Luke Littler to retire early as a wealthy man
On top of his prize money, Littler is set to earn a staggering amount of money through sponsorship deals.
Speaking to Online Darts, Durrant said comparisons to Phil Taylor are not possible due to the vast differences in prize monies the two contested.
He said: “When Phil [Taylor] was doing it, he was earning ten grand.
“He [Littler] will be a multi-millionaire. You see an element of it with Michael van Gerwen. That appetite, how does Michael keep going? He’s got everything he ever wanted.”
He added: “I don’t think he’ll have the longevity, Luke Littler. It could be a decade of brilliance; it could go away in two years’ time. He hasn’t had a serious knock yet, a little dent in the confidence.”
Durrant not the first to echo opinion
It will be a shame for all darts fans to see Littler walk away from the sport a young man.
His ability, star-power and explosiveness have revitalised darts.
Others have expressed their concern over the 17-year-old’s longevity, however.
In May, former players turned pundits Chris Mason and Matthew Edgar echoed the same thoughts.
If the youngster does choose to hang up his darts earlier than what fans would like, his indelible mark will be felt for decades afterwards.