Two-time world champion Luke Littler endured a difficult night in Brighton, as he was booed by sections of the crowd and knocked out in the quarter-finals by Stephen Bunting.
One of the sport’s dominant figures, Littler, 19, struggled to find his usual scoring power and produced one of the poorest televised performances of his career. The 19-year-old averaged just 83 – his lowest average in a televised PDC event – and unusually failed to register a single 180.
This time last year, the youngster was at his brilliant best and won the night in Brighton – but he struggled to replicate that on Thursday (April 9).
Bunting – on his 41st birthday – took full advantage, delivering a composed display to take control of the contest early and maintain it throughout. The victory sends him into the semi-finals and marks a notable win over one of the game’s leading players.
Two-time world champion Luke Littler endured a difficult night in Brighton, as he was booed by sections of the crowd and knocked out in the quarter-finals by Stephen Bunting. Photo: Taylor Lanning/PDCplaceholder image
Two-time world champion Luke Littler endured a difficult night in Brighton, as he was booed by sections of the crowd and knocked out in the quarter-finals by Stephen Bunting. Photo: Taylor Lanning/PDC
The result came against the backdrop of a hostile atmosphere, with Littler receiving boos during his walk-on – and a number of his misses cheered during the scrappy contest.
The reaction follows recent controversy surrounding the Manchester teenager’s on-stage behaviour and social media activity, which has divided opinion among fans.
While some supporters appreciate his confidence and competitive edge, others have criticised what they see as unsporting conduct. In Brighton, that tension appeared to spill over into the crowd’s reaction.
Boos and partisan atmospheres are not uncommon in darts, but Littler’s reception suggests he is increasingly becoming a polarising figure despite his success. For the two-time world champion, it was a rare off-night – and one he will be keen to put behind him quickly.
Meanwhile, in the other quarter-finals, Jonny Clayton saw off Luke Humphries; Josh Rock upset in-form Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen beat Gian van Veen in an all-Dutch battle.
Continue Reading