Luke Littler has revealed he considered quitting the Premier League Darts circuit after being subjected to persistent booing from crowds. The 19-year-old world number one made the admission after defeating Luke Humphries 11-10 in a dramatic final at the O2 Arena in London, reclaiming the title he lost to his rival last year.
Littler, who earned £350,000 for his victory, said the hostile reception from audiences during the 17-week season had taken a toll on his mental health. Speaking after the match, he became emotional as he recalled telling his girlfriend Faith that he no longer wanted to continue. 'The first four weeks I was at the bottom... I was sat at home saying to Faith 'I don't want to do it anymore'. Just the crowd every week,' he said.
The Warrington thrower's struggles were compounded by an on-stage argument with Dutch opponent Gian van Veen in Manchester earlier in the campaign. Despite the adversity, Littler fought back from 6-3 down in the final to win a last-leg decider, adding to his record-equalling six nightly wins and taking his total prize money for the season to £410,000.
In the semi-finals, Littler had to overcome a tense 10-9 victory over Gerwyn Price, after squandering six match darts and letting a 9-4 lead slip. The match featured a flashpoint when Price celebrated a 170 score with a 'big fish' gesture while Littler was throwing, earning a warning from referee Huw Ware. Price later apologised to Littler.
Humphries, 31, secured his place in the final by defeating Jonny Clayton 10-9 in a see-saw semi-final. Clayton was visibly frustrated after appearing to be put off by a whistle from the crowd as he threw for the match, allowing Humphries to step in and win.
