World champion darts player Luke Littler is preparing for a potentially hostile reception as the Premier League Darts tour arrives in Liverpool this week. The 19-year-old, a staunch Manchester United supporter, has frequently used social media to comment on Liverpool Football Club's struggles, making him a prime target for boos from the local crowd.
Football Rivalry Fuels Crowd Animosity
Littler's outspoken fandom has not gone unnoticed, with his online posts about Liverpool's footballing woes likely to amplify the negativity he faces at the M&S Bank Arena. This follows recent incidents where the back-to-back world champion was jeered by crowds in Brighton and Rotterdam, stemming from a spat with Dutch player Gian van Veen during a match in Manchester three weeks ago.
Quarter-Final Showdown with High Stakes
In the quarter-final, Littler will take on Luke Humphries, with both players eyeing crucial points in the league standings. Littler currently sits second behind leader Jonny Clayton, and a strong performance on the banks of the Mersey could solidify his position for a play-off spot. Many fans are also hoping for a potential rematch with Van Veen, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the event.
The frosty relationship between Littler and Van Veen has been a talking point since their last-eight clash in Manchester, where Van Veen accused Littler of celebrating his missed match dart. This tension has contributed to the charged atmosphere surrounding Littler's appearances.
League Standings and Player Perspectives
Meanwhile, Humphries faces an uphill battle after a disappointing campaign, trailing the top four by three points with only five weeks remaining in the season. On the other hand, Jonny Clayton leads the pack with four nightly wins, including the last two, virtually securing his place at the O2 Arena for the finals.
Clayton, who will face home favourite Stephen Bunting, remains focused despite his strong position. He stated, "We're all out to win nights and get points, so two nightly wins on the trot is great – it puts a smile on my face. I don't give up. I've been behind a few times and still came through and won. Twenty-nine points is a good score to be on. Hopefully it's enough for the play-offs and I'm there. I've got five weeks left and hopefully I can win five of them."
In other matches, Michael van Gerwen is set to compete against Josh Rock, while Gian van Veen and Gerwyn Price will battle it out, rounding off a night of high-stakes darts action in Liverpool.
