LUKE Littler’s hopes of completing a unique darts double were ended by Cam Crabtree in a dramatic semi-final clash at the World Youth Championship.
The Warrington-based world number one was edged out 6-5 by fellow Englishman Crabtree in a tense deciding leg at the Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan.
Littler, 19, had been chasing a remarkable piece of darts history – becoming the first player to hold the PDC World Championship and World Youth Championship titles at the same time.
But despite another impressive run through the tournament, his hopes disappeared at the final hurdle.
The defeat came after Littler had gone unbeaten through the opening round-robin stage, recording three victories, before progressing through a series of tough knockout matches.
He was forced to fight back from 3-0 down against 16-year-old Lewis Cook in the last 64 before eventually winning 6-4.
Littler then produced more convincing performances, beating David Fidler 6-1, Archie Self 6-4 and Harrison Leigh 6-2 to book his place in the last four.
Waiting for him was Cam Crabtree, who had already secured his place in the 2027 PDC World Championship through the Development Tour.
Crabtree made the stronger start, opening up a 2-0 lead, but Littler fought back to level the contest at 2-2.
The match remained finely balanced before Crabtree eventually edged ahead again and held his nerve in the deciding leg to secure a 6-5 victory.
For Littler, it represents another frustrating exit following his shock first-round defeat to Luke Woodhouse at last week’s World Grand Prix.
The teenager’s appearance in the youth event was itself something of a surprise, coming after his disappointing early exit in Leicester.
He had previously won the World Youth Championship in 2023, aged just 16, before bursting onto the global darts scene with his sensational run to the 2024 World Championship final.
Littler went on to become world champion and successfully defended that crown in January 2026, beating Gian van Veen 7-1 at Alexandra Palace.
His bid to add another major piece of silverware to his collection, however, will have to wait.
Crabtree now faces Germany’s Jan Schmidt in the World Youth Championship final, which will be staged at Butlin’s Minehead Resort on November 29.
The defeat also means Littler misses out on a potential route into the Players Championship Finals at Minehead, where he was champion last year.
For the Warrington star, attention now turns back to the senior circuit, with the Swiss Darts Trophy taking place from October 9-11, followed by the Dutch Darts Championship and European Championship later this month.
Despite the disappointment, Littler’s run to the final four once again underlined the extraordinary level he continues to operate at – even when competing in an event designed for the sport’s emerging stars.
