Luke Littler has revealed that a last-minute trip to the post office contributed to a frantic dash to Leeds before he secured a third consecutive nightly win in the Premier League. The 19-year-old claimed a record-equalling sixth victory of the season on Thursday, but arrived at the First Direct Bank Arena just under an hour before his first match of the evening got under way.
Late Departure and Rush
Speaking at a press conference, Littler explained that his scheduled 3pm departure from his home in Warrington was delayed. An impromptu trip to sell sporting memorabilia added further time pressure. "I came straight from home," Littler said. "I was supposed to leave for 3pm but I wasn’t ready, Faith wasn’t ready and we were rushing about. We went to the post office, get those cards off eBay gone, getting all the shipping and tracking numbers sorted. That’s why we were almost late but we got here on time."
Littler admitted his driving was "a bit reckless" as he raced to the venue. "The estimated time of arrival just kept going up and up and up but I managed to get here at twenty to seven or quarter to seven."
Encounter with Leeds Players
As he approached the arena, Littler, a Manchester United supporter, spotted Leeds United players Ethan Ampadu and Willy Gnonto in attendance. "I beeped at them," Littler said with a smile. "I looked out my mirror, they were all looking and I just beeped again."
Thrilling Victories
Littler defeated Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, and Luke Humphries, all via last-leg deciders. He also beat rival Humphries 6-5 in last week’s final in Aberdeen. Reflecting on his success in close matches, Littler added: "I’ve beaten them numerous times in last-leg deciders over the years, it helps me but also it might be in their head that I’m going to win it. I might already have one over them before starting that last leg. If you beat them comfortably or you beat them in a last leg, it’s always on their minds."
