Teen darts star Luke Littler has paid a touching tribute to his best friend who lost their father with a new darts top.
‘The Nuke’ finished as runner-up to Peter Wright in the German Darts Championship at the start of September and broke down on stage while sending a message to his childhood pal Ellis, whose dad had died of lung cancer.
Now, while competing in the Grand Slam of Darts, Luke has been sporting a new top throughout the tournament with the Roy Castle Lunch Foundation logo appearing on it for the first time. And he explained the reason on social media.
He posted a picture of his top on X explaining that he wanted to do his part and raise awareness of the disease. “Some of you may have noticed at the grand slam I’ve been supporting Roy Castle Lung Foundation,” Littler said.
“A few months back my best mate’s dad passed away after battling cancer so wanted to do my part to raise awareness of this important cause. Any support you can give is massively appreciated.”
Speaking after his 8-5 defeat to Wright, the darts sensation had paid tribute to his friend and explained why he got so emotional. “Fair play to Peter he’s played well all weekend and so have I,” Littler said (per Oche180) after averaging higher than his opponent but still losing.
“But I’ve got to take it on the chin. I have got to give a shout-out to my friend Ellis. He lost his dad I’ve known him since I was three or four,” he added, before leaving in tears.
(Image: @LukeTheNuke180)
The 17-year-old burst onto the scene at the 2024 World Darts Championship with a sensational run to the final where he eventually lost to Luke Humphries. He will be hoping to go one better this time, with the event set to begin next month.
But in the meantime he continues to impress at the Grand Slam of Darts, with reigning champion Humphries having already been eliminated. Next up for Littler on Tuesday night is a clash with Lourence Ilagan.