Darts fan, 14, inspired to open his own store - by Luke Littler from taboo junior Watch Video

⏲ Duration: 1:48
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✓ Published: 17-Jun-2024

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A teenage darts fan has opened his own shop after being inspired to take up the sport by his ‘hero’ - Luke Littler.<br/><br/>Raymond Leese, 14, who hopes to emulate the Warrington wonderkid, 17, asked his parents in February if he could start the business. <br/><br/>He was gripped by Littler’s incredible performances as the star got to the final of the World Darts Championship and later won the sport's Premier League.<br/><br/>And they agreed to let him set up the business in a former pub - which used to house their restaurant - as long as he took responsibility for running it.<br/><br/>Raymond, who christened his store ‘Upstart Darts’, said of Littler: “He inspired me a lot to do this. He’s one of my biggest heroes. <br/><br/>“A lot of people doubted him at the start of the Premier League, and he’s just shown people what he can do – and he’ll be one of the best darts players in the world.<br/><br/>“I think he’s definitely made the sport so much more popular, especially with the younger generation.<br/><br/> “You normally see mostly people playing at the pub, but now many younger people have boards in their home. They play a lot.”<br/><br/>Raymond said he would happily welcome ‘The Nuke’ to his store, adding: “I would invite Luke Littler to play a round.”<br/><br/>The student said he became interested in darts last year after he caught a match on TV following a football game.<br/><br/>And his fascination grew as teen sensation Littler became a household name due to his prolific talents.<br/><br/>Raymond plucked up the courage to tell his dad, Julian Leese, 51, about his idea for a new business as they drove to a darts shop in Liverpool on February 17.<br/><br/>And he then kitted out a room, which previously formed part of his family’s restaurant, in Middlewich, Cheshire, with a huge range of darts paraphernalia.<br/><br/>Raymond said: “There are no darts shops in our area, so I just asked my parents, ‘Shall we open a darts shop?’.<br/><br/>\