Luke Littler explains major career change after stunning World Grand Prix win - 'Right time'

Luke Littler has revealed his next career move after a shocking split announced on the eve of the World Grand Prix. The 18-year-old ended his partnership with ZXF Sports Management, concluding a relationship that began when he was merely 13, just before his opening clash in Leicester.

Cool Hand Luke defeated Gian van Veen in what turned out to be a brilliant spectacular for all on Tuesday night. Following his triumph, Littler told Sportsboom: "I'm on my own. Just as myself, I think it's better.

"Obviously I've got my family to support me and obviously Martin [Foulds] had done his job, but I think it was the right time. Booking flights, hotels and all that stuff and we're on our own.

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"I'm going to have help from Garry [Plummer] at Target as well. It's going to be massive; we're going in the right direction.

"No one knows what's been going on behind the scenes. And I won't be saying anything, but it was just the right time."

Confirming the break-up, Littler declared: "I want to say a massive thank you to @Zxfsports, and especially @Martin_foulds84, for everything they've done for me so far in my career. We've had some amazing times together over the last five years and I'll always be grateful for the advice and support that's helped me get to this point.

"As my career moves forward and the schedule also gets busier we've all agreed it's the right time for me to take the next step with new representation." Last month, Littler sent shockwaves throughout the darts community by appearing to post a 'retirement' announcement on social media.

Nevertheless, the clip was exposed as being a spoof and utilised to advertise the upcoming EAFC26 video game. Following his maiden triumph on the World Grand Prix stage, Littler told Sky Sports: "I am very happy.

"I don't think I could have done a lot better there. I certainly played better than last year.

"I said I would be fiery in my pre-match interview and I showed a bit of that. I missed a few doubles starting and finishing but overall it was a good performance and Gian played his part in a brilliant game.

"We push each other every time, play our best darts against each other. Hopefully this is my next major. That's the first round done, so on to the next one."