Luke Littler was heavily booed again as he made his entrance to his World Darts Championship semi-final showdown against Ryan Searle.
The 18-year-old defending champion takes on Searle at Ally Pally on Friday night looking to book his place in a third successive World Championship final.
But it seems that ‘The Nuke’ will also have to beat the crowd as some sections of the supporters made clear their feelings on how they want the game to go.
(Image: Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)
While ‘Heavy Metal’ was cheered on, boos almost drowned out John McDonald calling Littler to the stage. The world No.1 seemed unfazed by the reception as he made his way on stage and applauded the crowd.
Littler has invited more hostile receptions after he hit out at the crowd for booing him during and after his last 16 victory over Rob Cross.
‘The Nuke’ sarcastically thanked supporters for “paying for” his prize money during his on-stage interview following the win.
“I’m not bothered [by the booing]. Really not bothered. You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize so thanks for booing me,” Littler told Sky Sports as the crowd booed back. “No one wanted me to win but I proved them wrong yet again.
“It’s not in reach just yet. You’ve got to get to the final. I’ll enjoy two days off then I’ll be back on New Year’s Day.
“I spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in London, so we’ll be doing that again.”
Littler cruised to a whitewash 5-0 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-finals on Thursday night, setting up the semi-final clash against Searle, who dropped his first sets of the tournament against Jonny Clayton in the 5-2 win.
More to follow…
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