Emotional Littler Reflects on Near Exit from Premier League

Luke Littler revealed he almost quit Premier League Darts due to the crowd's reaction during his performances. The 19-year-old, after winning the Premier League title once again at The O2, broke down in tears, expressing disbelief at regaining the crown. This victory came after a challenging third stint in the Premier League, which included arguments on stage and negative feedback from fans in attendance.

Following his 11-10 victory over Luke Humphries, Littler spoke candidly to Sky Sports, sharing that after upsetting moments in Brighton and Manchester, he considered stepping back from the competition. "After Brighton [in week 10], I think I came off stage and the incident in Manchester, I was sat at home saying to Faith [his partner], ‘I don’t want to do it anymore, just the crowd every week’. I said to her, ‘I’m down bad’,” Littler said.

The hostile atmosphere started during week nine in Manchester, where tensions escalated after a missed match dart by Gian van Veen led to a frosty handshake and accusations of unsportsmanlike behavior. Subsequent rounds saw Littler facing continued boos, particularly in Rotterdam where the reception was described as the "worst I have experienced". He admitted that after these experiences, he expected negativity from the crowd.

Despite the earlier challenges, Littler experienced a change of heart during the finals. Just over 24 hours after expressing concerns about fan reactions, he was met with cheers from the O2 crowd as he became emotional during an on-stage interview. In a news conference afterward, Littler noted that he hoped this outpouring would signify a new chapter in his relationship with the audience, stating, "I’m not asking for sympathy - I just told the world how I was feeling during the Premier League. The biggest outcome is next to me [the trophy]." He mentioned how he has proven critics wrong, particularly reflecting on the matches in Brighton and Manchester.

For the third consecutive year, Littler topped the Premier League standings and reached the final, winning the title twice. He acknowledged the emotional toll of the competition, telling reporters what it took to overcome his reluctance to compete: "Tonight was one of those wins where I had to get it done. Even sat at home, I didn’t want to go out…we’ve done it."

Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle drew parallels between Littler's experience and those of past champions like Gerwyn Price and Phil Taylor, highlighting the mental strains that the Premier League can impose on players. Despite contemplating quitting, Littler's achievements solidify his growing dominance in the sport this season, adding the Premier League title to his accolades of World Championship, World Masters, and UK Open victories. Looking ahead, he prepares to represent England alongside Luke Humphries in June's World Cup of Darts, showcasing his continued promise in the sport.