Luke Littler Laughs off ‘Washed’ Claims at Australian Darts Masters
Luke Littler Laughs off ‘Washed’ Claims at Australian Darts Masters
Luke Littler responded to a section of the Wollongong crowd in the most emphatic way possible — by lifting the Australian Darts Masters title.
From his opening match, the 18-year-old world champion was well aware of a particularly vocal group to his right. Each missed treble was met with jeers, and by the time the final against Belgium’s Mike De Decker rolled around, the taunts had reached their peak.
“In the final, every time I missed a treble they were shouting, ‘Rubbish, rubbish.’ Someone even said I was washed,” Littler recalled with a grin. “I don’t know what he meant by that, but I’ve just won — and like I said, the darts did the talking.”
Maturity Beyond His Years
The teenager’s ability to absorb the crowd’s heckling without losing focus highlighted a composure that belies his age.
“I think for myself, the first time I hear it, I’ll react,” Littler admitted. “But after that, I just let it go and focus on my game. Nobody teaches you how to deal with it — you’re on stage alone, and no one can step in to help you. You’ve just got to get on with it.”
His steely focus paid off. Just 12 months earlier, Littler’s debut appearance at this event had ended in disappointment, losing out in the final. This year, he returned determined to go one better. “Any losing final motivates me because you always want to come back and put things right,” he said. “Last year didn’t go to plan, but second time lucky.”
A Winning Streak Rekindled
The victory in Wollongong continues a strong run of form for the young star, who endured a rare dry spell earlier in the summer. Littler went five months without lifting a title before winning the Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool just two weeks ago.
“As a world champion, you’ve got to keep winning,” he explained. “It took a while, but getting that Matchplay title meant everything. Now I’ve followed it up here and I’ve got that winning feeling back.”
He also revealed that this is the most confident he has felt in some time. “There’s definitely a difference when you’re world champion, but even before the Matchplay I felt good. Right now, I feel more confident than I have in ages.”
Luke Littler Laughs off ‘Washed’ Claims at Australian Darts Masters
Perhaps surprisingly, Littler didn’t throw a dart in the gap between his Blackpool triumph and arriving in Australia. “I practised hard for the Matchplay and got the win, so I think I’ll just train for the big ones,” he said with a smile.
Next on his schedule is the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, the second leg of the World Series double-header. Littler hopes to enjoy some downtime before returning to competitive mode. “It’s only my second visit. I didn’t do much last year, but I think we’ll make the most of four or five days before the darts start again.”
Opportunities for Others
Reflecting on the Wollongong line-up, Littler praised the PDC’s decision to invite players outside the regular Premier League roster. “Some Premier League players don’t want to make the trip, so they look further down the rankings or at who’s been playing well lately. It’s a great opportunity for those guys and they should be proud.”
As for his own calendar, Littler was deliberately vague. “I’ve seen what’s coming up, but everyone will see what I’m playing when the time comes,” he said, before confirming one thing — he won’t be competing in the World Youth Championship.
Football and the Future
Away from the oche, Littler remains a passionate Manchester United supporter. The club’s summer signing of Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško has left him optimistic. “I’m really excited. I think we’re underdogs after last season — I don’t think it could get any worse unless we finished 16th,” he laughed. “I’m expecting a top-five finish, and I think most clubs won’t see it coming.”
With his second major title in as many weeks, the teenager has shown that not only can he silence his critics — he can do it with style, silverware in hand, and an eye firmly on the next challenge.
