Luke Littler’s ‘disrespectful’ phrases in direction of World Masters rival he ‘wanted crowd’ to beat
The Nuke will be looking to maintain his unbeaten record – which so far includes seven wins – against Mike De Decker as he competes at the World Masters, the PDC’s new major event
Luke Littler of England looks on in the second round match against Germany during day three of BetVictor World Cup of Darts 2025 at Eissporthalle Frankfurt on June 14, 2025(Image: Getty Images)
Luke Littler is preparing to take on Mike De Decker at the World Masters, rekindling a feud that has sparked plenty of drama in past clashes.
The Nuke will be brimming with confidence as he enters his first-round bout at the Milton Keynes tournament on Friday (January 30). The 19-year-old double world champion boasts a flawless 7-0 head-to-head record against De Decker throughout his career so far.
This dominant streak includes a recent triumph at the World Grand Prix back in October. Looking back on that 3-0 victory, Littler branded the encounter as “a bit boring” afterwards But his dismissive words didn’t go down well with ex-darts ace Vincent van der Voort.
Van der Voort slammed Littler’s comments on the Darts Draait Door podcast, declaring: “That’s just a tap on the chin you give someone like De Decker. You don’t have to say that. It’s inappropriate and not very respectful.”
He continued: “At the Grand Slam, Littler actually needed the crowd to beat De Decker. And then to make comments like that about someone who won a tournament just last year – putting him down like that, I don’t like it.
“But at the same time, it adds a bit of spice. Hopefully De Decker will take that personally and go into their next match with fire in his belly.”
Whether Littler’s barbs will ignite De Decker’s fighting spirit at the World Masters is yet to be determined, reports the Mirror.
Nevertheless, this certainly isn’t the first occasion these two have locked horns in heated fashion. Almost a year prior to their World Grand Prix showdown, De Decker came agonisingly close to defeating Littler at the Grand Slam of Darts, falling just short in a 10-9 thriller.
After that encounter, De Decker slammed the audience for jeering him during crucial moments and voiced his annoyance with the PDC.
Speaking to Viaplay, he said: “I asked [caller] Kirk Bevin to address the crowd, but he wouldn’t even do that. Why is he even there then?”.
De Decker went on: “Filing a complaint? That won’t do anything. The PDC will just say they will look into it, and then that’s it. It’s sad, but that’s how it works.”
The World Masters is unfolding at Arena MK, with the semi-finals and final set for Sunday (February 1). The victor will claim £100,000 from the overall prize pot of £500,000.
In the other half of the main bracket, second seed Luke Humphries is set to face off against Dave Chisnall. Third seed Gian van Veen has already seen off Ryan Joyce to secure a second-round battle with Nathan Aspinall.
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