Luke Littler hits back at group of hecklers after winning the Australian Darts Masters as he says his 'darts did the talking'
World champion Littler added another title to his growing list with an 8-4 victory over Mike De Decker in the final.
A year after finishing runner-up following an 8-1 humbling by Gerwyn Price, the reigning world champion and World Matchplay winner had too much for the Belgian debutant.
The 18-year-old had to deal with jeers from the crowd throughout the tournament but it certainly did not impact his performance.
Speaking in the wake of his victory, he said: 'there was a group to my right… every time I didn't hit a treble they were shouting 'rubbish, rubbish'.
'Someone even said I was washed. Not sure what he meant, obviously I'm 'washed' but I just won. The darts did the talking.'
The darts sensation then went on to explain how he handles negative crowd reactions when they come.
'The first time I hear it, I'll react, but then I let it go,' he said. I just focus on my darts and let them do the talking.
'Nobody has taught me how to deal with it. You're on stage alone, nobody else can help you. You just get on with it.'
Littler swept aside home favourite Damon Heta 6-3 in the last eight and top seed Stephen Bunting 7-4 in the semis.
'He needs to retire because it's not fun any more,' De Decker joked after the defeat.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Revealed: Why a premiership-winning footy coach was left 'absolutely filthy' with US streaming giant Netflix ahead of crunch AFL fixture
AFL boss Chris Fagan was reportedly left 'absolutely filthy' after it emerged that he was not informed that Netflix camera crews would be entering his side's inner sanctum. It was announced earlier this year that the US streaming giant was set to produce a brand new series, akin to it's highly successful Drive to Survive Formula One series, focusing on all things going on in the AFL. The news that the production company would be heading Down Under had excited many, with Brisbane, Fremantle, GWS and Gold Coast all set to feature alongside the Western Bulldogs in the series. It is understood, according to reports in July from SEN, that the docuseries was set to follow individual players, including the likes of Marcus Bontempelli and Toby Greene. But when production teams turned up at The Gabba, premiership-winning coach Fagan was not happy. In fact, according to Channel Seven journalist Caroline Wilson, the legendary footy boss had been left fuming and had he known about Netflix's proposed plans to film his side before hand he would not have agreed to the project. reportedly left 'absolutely filthy' 'AFL staff themselves have now gone on the road with this production crew because they have ruffled feathers,' Wilson said during Monday night's episode of The Agenda Setters. 'But the really strong scenes took place at the Gabba. They (Netflix) turned up the week of the Q-Clash, Chris Fagan was absolutely filthy, said he had no idea that they were coming on board, and had he known, he wouldn't have agreed to it. 'I think he [Fagan] agreed [to host the production company] after a conversation with (footy boss) Danny Daly. Perhaps he hadn't really been paying attention, but I don't think he was thrilled. 'But they've left the Gabba now, they won't be back. 'They're at the Gold Coast — I think there was some dissatisfaction too at the Gold Coast, at how many players they wanted to get involved. Certainly Touk Miller's involved there.' The AFL have previously engaged film agencies to produce television content on the league. The 'Making Their Mark' docu-series, launched in 2021 on Amazon, was perhaps the most notable of those projects. It featured footy greats, Nic Naitanui and Eddie Betts and went behind the scenes at the Crows and Giants. Channel Seven reporter Wilson (pictured) claimed that staff from the AFL have been monitoring the production company after they 'ruffled a few feathers' It comes as series like Drive to Survive, Full Swing and Six Nations: Full Contact have taken huge steps in helping sports like Formula One, Golf and rugby union grow their audiences globally. Fagan, meanwhile, admitted he was disappointed with his forward line following Brisbane's two-point defeat by Sydney on Saturday. Despite a late fightback, the Lions were eclipsed by the Swans at the beginning of the second-half. 'Sixty-five entries. It's a lot, isn't it? It's a lot to lose,' the footy coach said, reflecting on how his side were wayward with their goal kicking. 'We did a lot of things right, but we just didn't win the ground ball in our front half, and they were able to bounce off it and that's the reason they won the game.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Footy great's son steals the show with a VERY rude gesture to the crowd as his dad is farwelled by his team in emotional scenes
Jeremy McGovern's son sent footy fans into hysterics on Sunday afternoon as he produced a very rude and cheeky gesture to members of the crowd. The youngster was walking around the oval at the Optus Stadium as his dad and Eagles premiership hero Dom Sheed waved goodbye to West Coast fans, after the announcement that the pair would both be hanging up their footy boots. The Eagles legends, who were both instrumental in that dramatic final passage of play that saw the Eagles win their 2018 premiership title, stepped out onto the field at half-time during West Coast's nine-point defeat by Adelaide. They were met by cheers from the fans, but one eagle-eyed supporter captured the moment that McGovern's son, Hudson, raised his middle finger up at one section of the crowd at the Optus Stadium. He was also humorously seen sticking out his tongue as he flipped fans the bird. It comes after Eagles star-man Harley Reid has copped widespread flak this year and a big fine after he raised his middle finger to some Brisbane Lions fans during the West Coast's defeat at The Gabba in Round Two. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ya Mate Nate (@ya_mate_nate_) The Eagles No 1 draft pick had received a $1,000 fine for the act, while Geelong Cats star has also copped a hefty bill for also flipping the bird at spectators this year. But many TikTok users laughed at the funny video, with one writing: '$5 fine and has to vacuum the floors for two weeks at home.' 'Suspended for two games,' another fan joked, while another added: '$2,000 fine by the AFL,' another added. 'More like Harley Reid Jr,' another joked, while one said: 'Sign him up now.' Back in 2018, McGovern fearlessly soared through the air to take a stunning grab with just 2 minutes and 38 seconds remaining on the clock. The Eagles were trailing Collingwood by two points in the AFL Grand Final, and McGovern rose higher than Magpies star Brody Mihocek to win the ball back. What happened next has gone down in both Eagles and AFL folklore, with the key defender sending the ball forward to Eagles ruckman Nathan Vardy. He turned and found flying Liam Ryan who booted out wide to Dom Sheed on the edge of the West Coast's forward 50. Sheed, with two minutes left on the clock, kicked the winner and cemented himself as an Eagles immortal. On Sunday, touching tributes from Eagles fans for the two retiring legends were displayed on the big screens at the Optus. 'It's been a bit of a long, drawn-out process, but it's very humbling, and it was nice to get out and see the fans and say goodbye officially,' McGovern, aged 33, said. In June, the Eagles defender announced that his retirement was due to medical reasons. 'I'm at peace with it, it's OK, because I respect the game,' he said. 'The game demands a lot from players and, in this instance, it is unlucky for me but at the same time, there's a beauty to it that it can be taken away at any time. 'I hope everyone cherishes it and understands what are our players go through every time they run out on that footy field. It's sad not getting the fairytale, but I'm at peace with it. 'It's the right decision.' He had, in fact, gone into the sheds to give the team a pep-talk before the Eagles clash against the high-flying Crows. 'He was a bit nervous to do it, but he's just so passionate about this football club and it was just a nice touch for the boys,' West Coast boss Andrew McQualter said. Sheed also retires after 165 appearances for the footy club. However, a string of injuries have restricted his playing time of late. 'To play for the Club I grew up supporting has been a dream come true, but the relationships you build and memories you share from footy are what I will cherish most from my time in the game,' he explained. 'There are so many people I would like to thank for helping me along the journey, first and foremost my amazing family. 'It hasn't always been easy. There's been plenty of ups and downs, and to finish up without being able to play alongside the boys this year due to injury has been tough.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
NFL rookie Jaxson Dart's emotional family moment caught on camera after Giants debut
After impressing in his NFL debut, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart celebrated his big day with his family. Dart balled out in the Giants' 34-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York and gave his first example as to why fans should trust him as their quarterback of the future. He completed 12-of-19 passes for 159 yards and added a touchdown strike to Lil'Jordan Humphrey as the cherry on top of his performance. After the game, Dart was captured on video going up to his mother - Kara - in the stands and embraced her in a touching moment between parent and child. Kara stole the show on Draft Night when Jaxson was selected 25th overall by New York in a surprise move. She did so again in the touching moment in western New York to celebrate what could be the first of many strong games from her son. Jaxson Dart shares a postgame moment with his mom after his first NFL game @Giants — Jenna Cottrell (@JennaCottrell) August 9, 2025 After a short appearance from presumptive starter Russell Wilson, Dart uncorked a 29–yard touchdown pass to Humphrey in the second quarter - and then celebrated by hyping himself up and running into the end zone to meet his teammates. It was only a brief appearance for Dart - who was replaced by veteran backup Jameis Winston in the second half. Tommy DeVito also played the fourth quarter of the contest. When it comes to his team, head coach Brian Daboll told reporters after the game, 'There's some good stuff and there's a lot of things that we need to correct.' As for the rookie, Dart reflected on his touchdown pass, saying, 'I'm comfortable sitting in there when the pressure gets in. 'I knew the opportunity we were going to have – one-on-one – and L.J. (Humphrey) went over the top. A lot of times, those are some of the biggest plays in games: in split seconds when you are about to get hit.' The Giants are set for their second preseason game at home against the New York Jets this coming Saturday.
