Luke Littler has been criticised for telling the World Darts Championship crowd that they 'pay for my prize money' after he was booed during his last-16 win over Rob Cross. The 18-year-old world number one made the comment in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, saying: 'You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize money.'
Former professional darts player James Hubbard was among those to condemn the remark, posting on X: 'You can't go on stage and tell the crowd "you guys pay for tickets to pay for my prize money". He's world number one, behave like one, and represent the sport properly, end of. If a footballer came out and said that there would be uproar. He's young, it's a learning curve and I can guarantee you he'll be advised not to do it again.'
Littler had vented his frustration after receiving a smattering of boos from the Alexandra Palace crowd during his match. Despite the tension, he produced a sensational performance, averaging more than 106 and hitting 17 180s. Cross, who averaged close to 99, pushed Littler all the way before the reigning champion secured a 4-2 victory.
Reflecting on the match, Littler said: 'It was a tough test. The first set everyone got on myself a little bit. I gave it to the crowd. Throughout the game, they remember that. I had to get on with the job.' He added: 'I just had to let all my emotions out. I was up for it. I have no idea who they were.'
Littler will face either Luke Woodhouse or Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-final on New Year's Day. A potential semi-final against Jonny Clayton could follow, with the final scheduled for Saturday against the likes of Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Josh Rock or Gian van Veen.
