Luke Littler got here in for criticism after a “petulant” act on path to his Players Championship triumph.
The 17-year-old was his sometimes spectacular self on his event debut in Wigan on Monday (February 12), hitting a nine-darter, narrowly lacking out on a second, and clocking in 4 ton-plus averages as he claimed his first PDC rating title.
But there was an uncharacteristic second from him throughout his semi-final conflict with Alan Soutar, who had damaged his throw and was 5-4 up. Left with 25 to interrupt again, Littler hit 5 however then missed D10.
READ MORE: Luke Littler simply misses second nine-darter in someday – and even opponent cheers him on
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Presumably trying to bust, he then chucked his third dart aimlessly and it fell to the ground. Having missed the board completely, Littler finally left himself on 5.
Although it did not matter ultimately as Soutar did not checkout 9 and Littler returned to clear up the errant 5 to make it 5-5, commentator Rod Studd wasn’t impressed with the star.
What will Littler obtain this season? Let us know within the feedback part under
(Image: X/@OfficialPDC)
Premier League Darts Preview 2024
Kebab-loving Luke Littler took the World Championships by storm. Now the teenager sensation is taking his skills across the UK and Europe as he faces the large boys within the Premier League.
Venues shall be packed out to see the brand new darting icon tackle the largest names within the sport – Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwin, Michael Smith, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright and Nathan Aspinall over the subsequent few months.
Our particular Premier League preview charts Littler’s astronomic rise, turns the highlight on his rivals for the coveted title, contains an unique column from James Wade, interviews with legends of the sport, present Premier League gamers and PDC chairman Eddie Hearn – and it tells you every little thing you’ll want to know concerning the event.
“Tell you what, well, that’s petulant,” he stated. “Now he’s left himself five, with a bit more care and attention he could’ve bust if that’s what he wanted to do, or left himself a double. He’s done neither of those things and that was silly.
“We’ve spent a lot time saying he is not taking part in like a 17-year-old however that was one thing you’d anticipate a couple of 12-year-old to do. He’s going to need to get used to criticism if he does issues like that.
“It might not matter, it won’t matter if he finishes off here, but that was daft from Luke Littler,” Studd concluded.
Of course, finally it did not matter as Littler returned to win the leg and subsequently the match. That assured him of a spot within the remaining, the place he overcame Ryan Searle 8-7 to say his first victory on the ProTour – on the first time of asking.
“I know my game is there and I can beat anyone, and I’m happy I have won,” Littler stated afterwards.