The darts world has been set alight by a fiery exchange between teenage prodigy Luke Littler and veteran player Andy Cornwall, with the 17-year-old sensation delivering a stinging rebuke to what he calls "bitter" criticism.
The Spark That Ignited the Feud
Tempers flared after Cornwall, who has been competing in the PDC since 2018, took to social media to brand the Warrington wonderkid "arrogant" following his meteoric rise to fame. The comments came after Littler's impressive performances on the professional circuit since his stunning World Darts Championship debut.
Littler didn't hold back in his response, telling Cornwall: "If you've got a problem, we can settle it on the board." The teenager's defiant stance has drawn support from fans and fellow professionals alike.
From Social Media Spat to Oche Challenge
In a dramatic escalation, Littler challenged his critic to back up his words with action, suggesting they should "play first to 10 legs" to resolve their differences. The bold move demonstrates the confidence that has become synonymous with the young star's approach to the game.
Cornwall, who has yet to respond publicly to Littler's challenge, finds himself in the unfamiliar position of being called out by a player nearly two decades his junior. The exchange has highlighted the generational tensions within the sport as new talents like Littler disrupt the established order.
A Pattern of Criticism
This isn't the first time Littler has faced criticism from fellow professionals. Since his breakthrough performance at Alexandra Palace, where he reached the World Championship final at just 16 years old, the teenager has had to navigate both incredible fame and unexpected backlash.
However, Littler's response to Cornwall represents his most direct confrontation with a critic to date, marking a new chapter in the young player's relationship with his peers in the darts community.
What This Means for British Darts
The public spat comes at a time when darts is enjoying unprecedented popularity in the UK, largely driven by Littler's extraordinary rise. The drama has captivated fans, with many taking to social media to support the teenage sensation.
As the sport continues to evolve, clashes like this between established players and the new generation threaten to reshape the dynamics within professional darts. One thing is certain - all eyes will be on whether Cornwall accepts Littler's challenge to settle their differences where it matters most: on the oche.
