Luke Littler Defends His Participation in the World Darts Youth Championship
At just 18 years old, Luke Littler is making waves in the darts world, and he’s not afraid to address his critics. Recently, the young talent faced backlash for entering the World Darts Youth Championship, a competition he first won in 2013, which secured him a spot at the prestigious 2023-24 World Darts Championship. This tournament is where he first captured national attention by reaching the finals at merely 16 years old.
Now ranked World No. 2, Littler returned to the Youth Championship after an impressive victory against World No. 1 Luke Humphries in the World Grand Prix final. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he faced Beau Greaves, who narrowly defeated him 6-5 to advance to the final. Following this setback, Littler also encountered a loss to Richie Edhouse in Players Championship 31, putting his chances of qualifying for the Players Championship finals in jeopardy. Nevertheless, he showcased his skill by clinching victory in Players Championship 32, securing his place at Minehead for the finals.
After his recent performances, Littler turned his focus to the criticism surrounding his decision to compete in the World Youth Championship. Some detractors argued that the tournament is typically a stepping stone for younger players aiming to progress to the opening rounds at Alexandra Palace. In response, Littler stated, "It’s the same venue where we professionals play. Players like Gian van Veen and Keane Barry are tour card holders, yet I’m the one facing the heat. I didn’t win, so of course, some people were pleased."
He continued, "I wanted to get accustomed to the format, playing first to five and first to six. That’s what I aimed to do in my matches today and yesterday."
Littler’s determination and willingness to compete—despite criticism—highlight his commitment to honing his skills and thriving in the competitive darts scene. As he continues to make his mark, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this rising star evolves in the world of professional darts.
