Just 16 years old, Archie Self is enjoying a week to remember. The English darts talent hit a nine-darter at the MODUS Super Series on Wednesday, breaking a record held by Luke Littler. A day later, his first appearance at the World Darts Championship in Alexandra Palace moved a significant step closer. His performances have also attracted attention beyond the darts world, with none other than football legend Wayne Rooney expressing his admiration.

Self, who turns 17 next month, made a big impression at the MODUS Super Series in Portsmouth on Wednesday. The young Englishman produced a nine-darter, becoming the youngest player ever to hit one on British television.

“The Archer” took a remarkable record from Luke Littler. The reigning world champion hit a nine-darter at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January 2024, just days before his 17th birthday. Self was several weeks younger when he completed his perfect leg.

That was not the end of the good news for the Berkshire schoolboy. A day later, he received another major boost, this time regarding the World Darts Championship, which takes place at Alexandra Palace in December.

Self in action

Archie Self benefits from Tommy Morris’s run

Remarkably, Self’s favourable position in the race to qualify for the World Championship was down to another player’s performance. Tommy Morris reached the final of Players Championship 32 in Den Bosch on Thursday, where he eventually lost 8-4 to Chris Dobey.

By reaching the final, Morris, currently ranked 111th in the world, looks set to secure a place in the World Championship through the ProTour Order of Merit. That would open up a qualifying spot via the Challenge Tour rankings, benefiting Self.

The 16-year-old Englishman has therefore moved into a position that would earn him a place at the World Darts Championship. His debut is not yet guaranteed, as his qualification has not been mathematically confirmed. However, an extremely unlikely combination of results would be needed to keep Self out of the 128-player field.

If his place is confirmed, Self will make his first appearance on the Alexandra Palace stage in December. He will be slightly older at his World Championship debut than Littler, who first competed in the sport’s biggest tournament as a 16-year-old in December 2023.

Wayne Rooney reacts to remarkable achievement

Self’s impressive performances also caught the attention of Wayne Rooney. The former Manchester United and England striker responded on social media to footage of the nine-darter. “16 years old. Unbelievable! Brilliant, Archie,” Rooney wrote on X, where the former footballer has more than 14.2 million followers.

Rooney’s interest in Self’s achievements is not entirely coincidental. The darts talent is represented by Invictus Darts Management, part of the Triple S Group. The company invests in people, businesses and ideas, and also represents Rooney.

Even so, the former England international’s admiration appears genuine. Rooney knows better than most what it is like to suddenly find yourself in the spotlight at the age of 16.

The former striker broke through in English football at a young age and went on to become one of the greatest players of his generation. By reacting to Self’s nine-darter, Rooney has shown that he is also keeping an eye on the rising talent in the darts world.