Luke Littler’s Saudi Arabia darts stance clear ahead of World Championship defence

Luke Littler has insisted that the PDC World Darts Championship should stay at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) amid suggestions from Barry Hearn that Saudi Arabia want to host the event

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has declared that the PDC World Darts Championship must remain at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) despite suggestions from Barry Hearn that Saudi Arabia are keen to stage the event. Last December, Hearn was quizzed about the possibility of relocating the darts to Saudi Arabia.

Whilst the Matchroom supremo wasn’t opposed to the idea, he made it clear that it was currently impossible as the Middle Eastern nation wouldn’t permit alcohol at the venue. “The Saudis asked me for darts about a couple months ago and I asked them a simple question,” Hearn revealed on talkSPORT.

“Can we have alcohol? And they said no. I said ‘well then you can’t have the darts’.”

READ MORE: Luke Littler’s incredible gift to brother and first huge purchase shows his true coloursREAD MORE: Ronnie O’Sullivan offers Luke Littler advice after ‘phenomenal’ rise and No.1 bid

Although he’s ruled out shifting the World Championships to the Middle East, the PDC will be staging an event in Saudi Arabia on January 19 and 20. That will form part of the World Series of Darts and, in contrast to their other competitions, booze will be prohibited.

Defending this choice, Hearn explained: “If we can’t drink in a country where we must respect their traditions and their laws, we don’t drink.” Littler is anticipated to take part in Saudi next year after he hopes to have defended the World Championship.

And whilst the 18-year-old isn’t planning to snub the January event, he’s made it crystal clear he wouldn’t participate in a World Championships staged there. “I definitely wouldn’t go over there for the worlds [championships],” he revealed to SportsBoom.

“I think you’ve got to keep it at Ally Pally. I’ve not seen any money yet but I’m sure I won’t be going over there for nothing.”

Snooker made its debut in Saudi last year and offered the players a chance to bank a £745,000 bonus if they could pot a golden ball after completing a maximum 147 break – thus securing a 167 break. “It’s very good what Turki Al-Sheikh is doing for boxing wise, but obviously now he wants the darts and obviously we’re going in January,” Littler continued.

“I’m sure he’ll put the money on the table for whoever plays in it. I’ve only seen the golden ball on the Matchroom documentary when I was watching it, I didn’t have a clue about it before.

“Obviously a million pound to do a 147, then a 167, so maybe he comes up with a golden nine darter or something. Make the double 12, double 15 or double 18 golden.

“Could even do a golden 170 and make the bullseye golden. I’m sure he’ll come up with something.”

Littler was speaking ahead of Sunday night’s World Grand Prix final where he will face his old adversary Luke Humphries. The victor at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester will pocket £120,000 in prize money.