IT is fair to say Luke Littler has captured the nation’s hearts with his run to the World Darts Championship final.

So much so, he is now the new favourite to win this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year award!

Warrington’s teenage darts sensation takes on world number one Luke Humphries in tonight’s showpiece at Alexandra Palace after wowing audiences with his prodigious talent over the past fortnight.

The 16-year-old has taken everything in his stride and as such, he has emerged as an early front-runner to claim the individual honour at the end of the year.

Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps was awarded the prize for 2023 last month and Littler has leapfrogged England men’s star Jude Bellingham in the odds following his exploits.

Betfred are offering a price of 11-4 for Littler to win the famous SPOTY trophy and while a packed year of sport is likely to see new favourites emerge and odds fluctuate, it is a sign of how popular he has become.

Betfred spokesperson Kayley Cornelius said: “At just 16-years-old, Luke Littler has become the youngest ever PDC World Darts Championship finalist.

“As Luke continues to make darts history, punters now think he is unstoppable, making him the new favourite to walk away with the SPOTY trophy this year with 11/4 odds, taking over previous favourite, Jude Bellingham.

“However, with it still being early days, these odds are subject to change and have the potential to go even higher if Luke goes on to win the Championship.”