Littler offers verdict on lacking World Cup of Darts for England as a consequence of PDC guidelines
Luke Littler has responded to PDC ruling preventing him from representing England at the World Cup of Darts.
The 17-year-old won a richly deserved first major title of his career on Thursday night (May 23) after he converted his top-of-the-table finish in the league format of the Premier League Darts to lift the trophy at the O2 Arena by beating Luke Humphries in the play-off final.
Littler secured victory over both of England’s World Cup players in Humphries, who he checked out a stunning nine-dart leg against, and a semi-final win against Michael Smith to land the £275,000 prize money.
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But PDC ruling will prevent him from participating in the World Cup of Darts, with the rules stating that the two competitors for each country are decided via the PDC Order of Merit, in which Humphries is No.1 and Smith is currently No.3 in the world, while Littler is ranked No.25.
Speaking to SportsBoom, Littler admitted that despite his disappointment at missing out on representing England, the rules must be maintained even after his Premier League triumph. “Yes. But the ranking rules have been in place for many years. I’m sure Luke [Humphries] and [Michael] Smith will get the job done,” he said.
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(Image: Getty Images)
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The PDC Order of Merit ranks players on the basis of how much prize money they have accumulated over a two year period. Due to Littler only making his debut on the senior tour at the World Darts Championship in December 2023, he’s still the best part of 18 months behind the rest of his fellow pros in the table.
Littler currently sits on £303,500 prize money after his Ally Pally final, though his winnings from his Premier League success isn’t counted due to the tournament not being a ranking event. In comparison, Humphries has £1,496,500 to his name and Smith boasts £1,048,500.
(Image: PA)
Given the current standings, Littler sees himself behind fellow countrymen Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Dave Chisnall, Chris Dobey, Ross Smith, Joe Cullen, Stephen Bunting, Andrew Gilding, Ryan Searle and James Wade in the bid to represent Team England.
The tournament begins in Frankfurt, Germany on June 16 and ends June 19.
