Luke Littler has acknowledged that he lost his composure in response to a hostile crowd during his fourth-round victory over Rob Cross at the PDC World Darts Championship. The 18-year-old defending champion was booed and jeered at Alexandra Palace as he secured a 4-2 win, prompting an emotional celebration and a defiant on-stage interview.
After hitting the winning darts, Littler ran around the stage gesturing to the crowd, who had been supporting Cross. In his post-match interview, he told the audience: 'You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize money, so thank you for my money, thank you for booing me.'
Reflecting on his reaction, Littler admitted it was a learning experience. 'I think I lost my head, it's still on there,' he said. 'Two years ago I think I would have started throwing my darts left-handed, but that is how much I have grown. People might say I have not matured, but try and be in my position. I can still learn a lot.'
The teenager noted that the crowd's hostility was a first for him at the world championships. 'That's the first time I've been at the world championships and the crowd have not wanted me to win,' he said. 'I will expect the worst on New Year's Day and whatever happens will happen.'
Despite the distraction, Littler produced a champion-like performance, averaging 106.5 and throwing 17 180s. 'It definitely fuelled me up and it made me play better,' he added. 'I am only a few games away from lifting the trophy once again.'
Littler will face Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-finals on Thursday, after Ratajski defeated Luke Woodhouse 4-2.
