Luke Littler plants kiss on girlfriend before dramatic World Matchplay Darts quarter-final win
After dispatching both Ryan Searle and Jermaine Wattimena in previous rounds, the 18-year-old battled former UK Open winner Gilding for a place in the last four.
As Pitbull's Greenlight played out across the speakers at Blackpool 's Winter Gardens, Littler made his way to the oche, but not before taking a momentary diversion that set social media alight.
Before getting the action underway, Littler walked over to his girlfriend, Faith Miller, and planted a kiss on the 19-year-old.
The moment ultimately proved to be something of a good luck charm for Littler, who held off a late surge from Gilding to secure the 16-14 win and reach the World Matchplay semi-finals for the first time.
In doing so, The Nuke set a new Matchplay record by hitting 18 maximums to set up a semi-final showdown with World No 17 Josh Rock.
He said: 'That last leg I just had to stay focused and get over the line.
'He won a few on the bounce when I was sat on 15 legs but I just had to do a professional job in the end.
'I didn't really panic. Andrew started to win a few legs, but that last leg against the darts as well, I just had to get over the line.
'Andrews does what he does. He never goes out of rhythm. It's the same throw by throw and try and match him.'
Littler and Miller have been together for several months.
The pair were first pictured together in May when Littler shared a photo of them together to his 1.9million followers on Instagram.
Millar comes from Wigan, just 15 miles from Luke's home in Warrington, Cheshire.
Littler previously dated beauty consultant Eloise Milburn, who watched on at the 2024 World Darts Championship as an unknown Littler became an instant sensation by reaching the final.
However, Littler reportedly ended the relationship in July of last year after his hectic schedule made it difficult for the pair to spend time together.
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