Ronnie O'Sullivan makes huge Luke Littler prediction amid No.1 bid

Luke Littler and Ronnie O'Sullivan both dominated their respective sports at a tender age, with the 49 year old snooker legend offering some advice to the young darts prodigy.

O'Sullivan advised the 18-year-old sensation to 'keep your feet on the ground', whilst acknowledging that he's 'doing all the right things'. Littler, who has been making waves in the darting world, is chasing another significant trophy at the World Grand Prix, after his first-round departure last year.

The current World Champion delivered brilliant performances against Gian van Veen and Mike De Decker, before facing a stern test from Gerwyn Price in Friday's (October 10) clash.

O'Sullivan, well-versed in handling celebrity status from a young age, praised Littler's meteoric rise to fame, which has thrust him into the spotlight far beyond the darting arena.

Speaking to Daily Star Sport, The Rocket said: "He's number one already, winning tournaments. It's only a matter of time before he's officially number one.

"I wasn't like that - I was top seven, top eight, then top four. But the lad's in a league of his own. Phenomenal. I think he's pretty smart, pretty sure of himself. He knows his game. There's no one-size-fits-all - you have to find how you work best.

"Sometimes you don't need to be at your best every time, sometimes you just peak at the right time. He seems very adept at figuring it out for himself. I think for everyone, just keep your feet on the ground if you can - that's the main thing. He seems to have a good family and is doing all the right things."

Meanwhile, as Littler maintains his remarkable form at the World Grand Prix, snooker icon O'Sullivan's campaign ended in disappointment following a 5-2 loss to Gary Wilson on Saturday.

The seven-time world champion has become increasingly choosy about his tournament appearances in recent years, prioritising major competitions that align with his objectives.

"Travelling over for certain events, it's not as easy as it used to be, so I have to be a bit more pick and choose about what I'm going to do, what events I'm going to play. It just has to make sense to me. I'm a bit more restricted now on what I'm going to be playing in the UK."

O'Sullivan added: "Hopefully I'll play the UK Championships, hopefully play the Tour Championships just before the World Championships, and then obviously hopefully play all big championships as well. That's what I plan to do, but we'll wait and see."