Luke Littler has suffered another early exit, this time at the World Youth Championship, following a 6-5 semi-final defeat to Cam Crabtree. The two-time World Champion entered the competition after his shock loss to Luke Woodhouse at the World Grand Prix.
Another Disappointing Exit
Despite being the favourite, Littler left empty-handed once again. Crabtree will now face Jan Schmidt in the final. Littler, who won the competition in 2023, was also beaten in the semi-finals last year by Beau Greaves.
Several players, including Greaves and Gian van Veen, chose not to enter the event this year. Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle has been among those to question Littler's decision to play.
Criticism and Response
Mardle said: "I don't know what he wants to gain from it. It doesn't make any sense to me. I just don't see the value time wise. Because time management is everything when you're playing a lot."
He added: "It's the fact that Luke Littler didn't play well. I just think he's underperforming right now, for whatever reason. Bearing in mind we're humans, we're not robots, we're not automatons, we do have off days as well. He's just having a couple of off days right now."
Littler previously defended his participation in the youth event, saying: "It's the same venue as what we professionals play and obviously the likes of Gian van Veen - tour card holder, Keane Barry - tour card holder - both played, but I'm the one that gets it in the neck."
Looking Ahead
Despite the frustration, Littler will now turn his attention to the senior World Championship. Rival Luke Humphries, who recently won the World Grand Prix, has already expressed interest in facing Littler at Alexandra Palace.
Humphries said: "My goal now is to make the World final and play [Littler] in it again and let's see what can happen. The real fans of darts know I am still here and capable of winning stuff. I have come so close to beating Luke in some majors in the last six to eight months and I think he enjoys the battle as well."
He added: "He deserves credit for what he has done in the sport. He is one of my closest friends on tour. I know a lot of people don't like that but I do because he is such a great kid. He is amazing for the sport and the hate he gets is unjust."
