Defending champion Luke Littler delivered a stunning victory and an even more astonishing verbal volley at the Alexandra Palace crowd on Sunday night, after securing his place in the next round of the PDC World Darts Championship.
The Nuke Fires Back at Hostile Supporters
Luke Littler, the teenage sensation known as 'The Nuke', overcame a tough challenge from former champion Rob Cross in a tense fourth-round clash on December 29th. However, the match was punctuated by loud booing from sections of the Ally Pally crowd directed at the young title-holder.
Instead of celebrating his progression in silence, Littler used his post-match interview with Sky Sports to launch a remarkable and defiant statement aimed squarely at his detractors. He sarcastically thanked the fans for contributing to his prize money before delivering a pointed message about the hostile atmosphere.
"Thank You for My Money": Littler's Sarcastic Retort
Addressing the television audience and the arena, Littler did not hold back. "Can I just say one thing," he began. "You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize money so thank you for my money, thank you for booing me!"
He then reflected on the pivotal moments of the match against Cross, stating: "I just had to hold, Rob broke me, I broke him back." The 18-year-old admitted he was solely focused on securing the win, adding, "I just saw the stats then- I wasn't thinking of anything- I just wanted to win."
A Defiant Champion in a Hostile Arena
Littler was unequivocal about the reception he received, describing the environment as openly antagonistic. "It was hostile, no one wanted me to win," he claimed. In a final show of defiance, he simply concluded, "They were wrong."
Despite the impressive victory, the reigning champion remained grounded about his ultimate goal. When asked about lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy again, he tempered expectations, noting, "It is not in reach just yet, you have got to get to the final." His comments highlight the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with being the man to beat at the sport's premier event.
The incident has sparked immediate debate within the darts community about crowd behaviour and the mental fortitude required of young stars at the pinnacle of the game. Littler's ability to channel the negativity into a match-winning performance, followed by his candid reaction, underscores his unique character on the oche.
