Luke Littler: No Regrets Over Unexpected Crowd Comments at World Darts Championship

Luke Littler recently faced an unexpected crowd reaction during his match against Rob Cross at the World Darts Championship. Despite the crowd’s hostility, Littler expressed no regrets about his post-match comments. The world No. 1 is aiming to secure consecutive Sid Waddell Trophy victories, a feat not achieved since Gary Anderson’s win a decade ago.

Match Highlights

Littler triumphed over former world champion Rob Cross with a score of 4-2, advancing to the quarter-finals for the third consecutive year. He will compete against Krzysztof Ratajski on New Year’s Day. During the match, Littler achieved an impressive average of 106.58 and recorded 17 maximums.

Turn of Events

The match was intense, with Cross initially leading 3-1. However, Littler managed to rally and maintain composure until the end. After the victory, he reacted strongly to the booing crowd, saying, “Am I bothered? Really, am I bothered?! Really not bothered!” He acknowledged the fans for their role in supporting not just their favorite players, but also the prize money for participants.

Littler’s Perspective

Littler reflected on the crowd’s expectations, noting it was a new experience for him at the Alexandra Palace. He stated, “That was definitely a task that I wasn’t ready for. It is the World Championships – did they want the underdog to win? Who knows?” His comments highlighted how the fans shape the competitive atmosphere of darts.

Future Matches

Looking ahead, Littler aims to adapt and perform his best regardless of crowd reactions. He emphasized his growth as a player, expressing confidence that he will be prepared for any challenge. “The fans are behind you; they’re not in front of you,” he added, reiterating the importance of focusing on the dartboard.

Ongoing Support and Challenges

• Quoting Glen Durrant, “The booing and whistling has become part of the pantomime that’s darts.”
• The tension of crowd dynamics in sports can offer valuable lessons for young athletes like Littler.
• As the tournament progresses, Littler remains hopeful about turning the crowd in his favor.

The next round of the World Darts Championship set for New Year’s Day will see exciting matches, including key players like Jonny Clayton and Gary Anderson competing. The event continues until January 3, showcasing top talents in darts including Littler’s ongoing quest for back-to-back world titles.