Danny Noppert has joked that world number one and two Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are 'bullying' him, as the Dutchman continues to fall short against the top pair. The 34-year-old has lost to both players in semi-finals over the past two months, including a 16-9 defeat to Littler at the Grand Slam of Darts last week.
Speaking after his 6-2 win over Ricky Evans at the Players Championship Finals in Minehead, Noppert said: 'The only problem is the Lukes... they are bullying me! I try my best, and the way I'm playing right now I'd say it's the best year I've had.' The former UK Open champion described the current campaign as his best, despite being unable to get past the duo.
Noppert, who also lost to Humphries in the European Championship semi-final, revealed who he would support if he were to bow out of the Minehead tournament. 'If it's not me winning the tournament this weekend, I'd want Luke Littler to win,' he said. 'He's above me [in the PDC Order of Merit], so it doesn't matter if he wins it!'
Despite the playful jibe, Noppert remains focused on his own game. 'It's not just about playing well here as the last big one before the Worlds - the way I see it, every tournament is just as important,' he added. The Dutchman will be back in action on Saturday as he looks to go one better than his semi-final appearance at this event last year.
