World champion Luke Littler is preparing for a potentially hostile atmosphere as the Premier League Darts tour arrives in Liverpool this week. The 19-year-old darts sensation, a staunch Manchester United supporter, has frequently used social media to comment on Liverpool's footballing woes, making him a prime target for boos from the local crowd.
History of Crowd Negativity
Littler has already faced negative receptions in Brighton and Rotterdam following a heated spat with Dutch player Gian van Veen during a quarter-final clash in Manchester three weeks ago. That incident, where Van Veen accused Littler of excessive celebration after a missed match dart, has fueled tensions. The pair have not competed against each other since, though many fans are hoping for a rematch in Liverpool.
Quarter-Final Showdown
In Liverpool, Littler will face Luke Humphries in the quarter-finals at the M&S Bank Arena. A strong performance could solidify his position in the play-offs, as he currently sits second in the standings behind leader Jonny Clayton. However, the crowd's reaction may add an extra layer of pressure to his game.
Standings and Play-Off Race
Jonny Clayton leads the Premier League with four nightly wins, including the last two events, and is nearly assured a spot in the finals at the O2 Arena. Despite this, Clayton remains focused, stating, "We're all out to win nights and get points, so two nightly wins on the trot is great – it puts a smile on my face. I don't give up. I've been behind a few times and still came through and won."
Humphries, on the other hand, is three points shy of a top-four position with only five weeks left in the season, making his match against Littler crucial for his play-off hopes.
Other Key Matches
Elsewhere in the Liverpool event, Michael van Gerwen will take on Josh Rock, while Gian van Veen and Gerwyn Price are set to battle it out in another highly anticipated match. These contests add to the excitement of a night that promises intense competition and passionate crowd involvement.
As Littler steps onto the stage, the darts world watches to see how he handles the pressure from both his opponents and the Liverpool faithful, in a city where his football loyalties have made him a controversial figure.
