Why did Littler play in World Youth Championship?

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Luke Littler competed at the World Youth Championship after winning his first World Grand Prix title on Sunday.

He was beaten in the semi-final by Beau Greaves, the first woman to reach the final of the World Youth Championship.

Despite playing in senior competitions, 18-year-old Littler could still participate in the youth tournament as it is open to players aged between 16 and 24.

The prize money for winning the tournament is £12,000.

"I'll go to the World Youth and just have a bit of fun, see everyone," said Littler on Sunday ahead of the tournament.

"I don't think anyone is going to be my friend tomorrow, but it's only 20 minutes up the road, so I'll try my best."

Defending champion Gian van Veen, from the Netherlands, has also reached the final.

Littler won the 2023 edition by beating Van Veen to the title but opted against playing in 2024 after his breakthrough at the senior PDC World Championship, where he finished as runner-up.

The event is played in a group-stage format initially, before knockouts are introduced from the last-64 stage.

'The Nuke' won all three group games - averaging an impressive 108.59 in a win against Iceland's Alexander-Veigar Thorvaldsson.

Greaves will face Van Veen in the final on 23 November in Minehead, played before the Players Championship final on the same day.

Therefore Van Veen, could in theory end up playing the World Youth final in between the semi-finals and final of the Players Championship.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

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