World champion Luke Littler has quashed any suggestions he will retire from darts by the arge of 23 and has affirmed his commitment to the sport for the “long time” heading into tonight’s Premier League play-offs. The 18-year-old prodigy is set to go up against Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals at the O2 Arena, aiming to retain his first significant TV title.

His fellow competitor Nathan Aspinall caused a stir this Tuesday by suggesting that Littler could “be off in about five years.” But that assertion was quickly dispelled by the Premier League’s reigning champion, who expressed his ambition to surpass Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles.

“I know I’ve heard that, I don’t know where he’s got that from – don’t worry, I’ll be here in 10 years,” assured Littler. “It’s crazy to even think about retiring. If I win 16 world titles like Phil, I’ll retire.

“But I’m not even thinking about retirement at the minute – the money is there to be won, especially the World Championship but not only that everything has gone up. It is all about what you’re feeling and I’m sure I’ll be here for a long time.”

Previously, Littler had acknowledged the threat of burnout, yet he remains acutely aware that being a marked man necessitates constant top performances.

With his sights firmly set on emulating icons like Taylor and Michael van Gerwen by clinching consecutive Premier League crowns, he’s gearing up for a big performance in London.

Littler added with determination: “For the last 18 months there’s been a target on my back. Since I first came on tour and made the World Championship final, I just knew.

“From the moment I walked into my first Pro Tour (floor competition), I knew everyone wanted to beat me. That is still the same now. There will always be a target on my back and I know if I’m not on my A-game, they will catch me out.”

Aspinall may encounter Littler in the Premier League final, provided he can pull off a victory against world No.1 Luke Humphries. He remains unconvinced that Littler will still be involved in the sport at his age.

“Even now Luke could retire and never have to worry about money again in his life, it’s as simple as that,” Aspinall said. “He will always have exhibition work and I hope he doesn’t (retire). He’s coming out of his shell a bit at the moment.

“I’m really close to Luke as everybody knows and I’ve noticed over the last six months, probably through this Premier League campaign, he’s becoming a man now.”

“I hope he stays for as long as he can but there is so many Luke Littler’s in the making. I just believe if he’s fed up of travelling now, he’s only just got a girlfriend, when he does have a child and stuff like that and he’s got £30million sat in his bank, does he really want to travel to Wigan on a cold Tuesday morning? Probably not.

“Maybe not (retirement) in five years but certainly I don’t think he’ll be around at my age, so that’s 15 years. I don’t think he’ll be here at 33.”