Defiant Luke Littler has hit back at fans who booed him once again during the Premier League Darts event in Liverpool. The world champion prevailed in the Merseyside city despite another frosty reception, with Littler particularly riled by their reaction during the previous week in Rotterdam.
Littler's Victory in Liverpool
Littler saved his best for last as he swept aside Jonny Clayton in the final, securing his fifth nightly win of the season. The 19-year-old also overcame Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen en route to the title. After the match, Littler expressed his satisfaction at performing well under pressure.
“It is what it is [crowd booing]. I've won and we move on to next week,” Littler told Sky Sports. “Rotterdam was way louder than this tonight. This week was nothing compared to last week. But I've just got to forget about it. I was focused, I definitely wanted to win tonight and that's what I've done. I even proved to people last week that I can win games under those circumstances and I've done it again.”
No Anxiety Despite Hostility
Littler insisted that the booing does not affect him mentally. “There is no anxiety there. I just expect the worst but it was not worse than Rotterdam. That is the worst I have experienced. It is good to come through those games under those circumstances,” he added.
Rift with Gian Van Veen
Littler also addressed the ongoing tension with Dutchman Gian Van Veen, who accused Littler of being “out of order” for celebrating towards the crowd during their recent clash. Littler revealed that the two have not spoken since the incident.
“No, we have not spoken, but I'm not the type of person to go up and talk to him or something like that,” Littler said. “Maybe he is waiting for me to go and talk to him, but I'm not the type of person. Even in the practice room, people will talk to me first. I am not the type of person to be chatting away. We can obviously settle it on the dartboard. In the back room it has just been normal. It has just been the same preparation-wise.”
Littler added that he believes the matter is now in the past. “I think he's forgotten about it. I forgot about it. If I need to talk to him, then I will. I don't regret anything. Obviously, I had my opinion, he has got his opinion, so we are all entitled to it. I think we have both moved on with our game on stage, but off stage, obviously, we've not spoken. But yeah, I'm sure we will.”
