Luke Littler is anticipating further hostility from the crowd when he returns to the oche on New Year's Day, following a fiery response to boos during his fourth-round win at the World Darts Championship. The world champion beat Rob Cross 4-2 at Alexandra Palace but was jeered throughout the match.
Littler admitted it was the first time he had not felt the crowd's support at the tournament. 'I expect the worst on New Year's Day, wherever I do play,' he said. 'And whatever happens, happens. I’m ready.'
The 18-year-old showed no remorse for his reaction, stating: 'I said what I said. I was going to say it last year at some point, but the fans, they pay for the tickets. Pretty much they’re paying for our prize money. So I’m not regretting anything.'
Despite the hostile atmosphere, Littler averaged 106.58 and hit a tournament-record 17 180s. He reflected on his growth, saying: 'Two years ago, I think I would have started throwing my darts left-handed, to be honest. But that’s how much I’ve grown. That’s how much I’ve matured.'
Littler added that he was fully focused on winning and not on statistics. 'From the start I wasn’t thinking about averages or 180s or anything like that... I just had to get him out the way.' He now faces either Luke Woodhouse or Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-finals.
