Luke Littler pulls no punches in honest response to critics after shock career decision made

Luke Littler relishes any opportunity to hit back at his critics and he did not waste his latest chance after his most recent triumph on the oche.

Darts sensation Luke Littler has slammed critics who’ve questioned his decision to compete in the World Darts Youth Championship. The 18-year-old left many scratching their heads when he announced he’d be taking part in the competition he conquered in 2023.

It was the junior competition in which he secured his spot at the 2024 World Darts Championship, where he burst on to the scene by reaching the final at just 16. Two years on, the current World No.2 entered the junior event once more, hot on the heels of thrashing World No.1 Luke Humphries in the World Grand Prix final.

But he was stunned by Beau Greaves, who edged him 6-5 to secure a place in the showpiece. Littler then suffered defeat to Richie Edhouse in Players Championship 31, leaving his chances of making the Players Championship finals in serious jeopardy.

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However, he subsequently rediscovered his magic to triumph in Players Championship 32, guaranteeing his spot at Minehead for the finals. Following his victory, he took aim at those questioning his participation in the World Youth Championship.

When his choice to enter the tournament – typically designed as a pathway for emerging talent to reach the early stages at Alexandra Palace – was raised, Littler replied: “It’s the same venue where we professionals play.

“The likes of Gian van Veen, tour card holder, Keane Barry, tour card holder, but I’m the one who gets it in the neck. I didn’t win so obviously a lot of people were happy.

“I just thought I’d come and get used to playing first to five and first to six. That’s what I did today and yesterday.”

Littler also took time to deliver a barely-concealed swipe at darts supporters who claimed he wouldn’t make it to Minehead. He added: “I am on social media. Lots of people were saying that I wasn’t going to make it. There you go, I’ve won it today.”

Littler was forced to take the challenging route to secure his spot in the Minehead finals. He demolished surprise finalist Dennie Olde Kalter 8-2 in the Wigan showpiece.

The teenager had to see off Dylan Slevin, Jeffrey De Graff, Adam Lipscombe, Adam Hunt, Rhys Griffin and Stephen Bunting, before defeating Kalter in the final. The Nuke now has his sights set on surpassing Humphries to claim the World No.1 ranking.

Remarkably, it marked just Littler’s maiden Players Championship triumph of the campaign. Following his triumph, he reflected: “At the start of the day it’s never the best, you’ve just got to get past those early stages.

“Then when it comes down to the last 16 and quarters, that’s when it turns nitty-gritty. I’m very happy with today (Wednesday). I’m very exhausted, but happy to have come away with a win.

“I did the Grand Prix and then the youth, yesterday and today. I’ve been playing for 10 or 11 days non-stop so I will have a well-deserved break this weekend and then I will be back for the Europeans.”