Latest news with #Asp
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Luke Humphries apologises to fans after hilarious nine-darter fail leaves even rival Nathan Aspinall laughing
LUKE HUMPHRIES jokingly apologised to fans after failing a nine dart attempt in the Premier League play-off semi-finals. The 30-year-old was three darts away from completing the feat in the fourth leg and needed a 141 to do it. Advertisement 3 Luke Humphries apologised to fans after failing a nine-dart attempt Credit: X/ @OfficialPDC 3 The world No1 held his hand up to the crowd Credit: X/ @OfficialPDC 3 Nathan Aspinall couldn't help but laugh Credit: X/ @OfficialPDC However, on this third trip to the oche in the leg, he completely missed the treble 20 and instead hit one. The crowd sarcastically cheered in response, sparking a hilarious reaction from both World No1 Humphries turned around to the crowd and held his hand up with a smile to apologise. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Humphries went on to win the semi-final 10-7 against the Asp. As a result, he set up a final meeting with Littler held off After the match, the Nuke said: "When he (Price) hit the double five to go 6-4 up I took myself straight off stage, I needed to get myself up for it. Advertisement Most read in Darts CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "The first five or six legs I was nervous and going into the break 6-4 down was not what I wanted. "I knew, especially after last year, that I love coming on after a break so I relaxed myself and I got the job done."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Luke Littler backs darts for WWE-style event as he breaks down amazing ‘Royal Rumble' format.. and tips legend to return
The teenager has been setting more records in this year's Premier League LITTLERMANIA Luke Littler backs darts for WWE-style event as he breaks down amazing 'Royal Rumble' format.. and tips legend to return Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER has backed a radical WWE shake-up of darts - and wants to take on a legend of the sport. The Nuke is preparing to defend his Premier League crown in Thursday night's playoffs at London's O2. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Luke Littler has backed the idea of a WWE-style Royal Rumble in darts Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 The Nuke would like to see the return of 16-time world champ Phil Taylor Credit: Getty Littler, the reigning world champion, topped the regular season standings and won a record six nights. But he is more than aware that some fans want to see a rethink of the Premier League format. Littler joined World No.1 Luke Humphries for a Q&A ahead of the big night in the capital. The 18-year-old was sold on the idea of a potential WWE-style Royal Rumble night of darts. And he would back the return of 16-time world champ Phil Taylor if the PDC put on the event. The Nuke told SPORTbible: "Phil Taylor might be entry 30, the mighty return." Asked about the rules, he continued: "I don't think you could go above one leg of 501. "Straight away, one leg, the loser goes off, and then the next player, they'll do the walk-on, and so on and so on." Humphries was similarly enthusiastic, adding: "I think it'd be good. "The thing is, you probably couldn't rank it or anything because you'd have to make sure you're not taking too much away from the seriousness of the sport. Luke Littler and Luke Humphries play out 'best darts match ever' as Wayne Mardle says 'even they're finding it funny' "But I think it would be a good laugh, a good bit of fun. I think the fans would love it as well." Earlier this week, Nathan Aspinall predicted The Nuke would step away from darts in the next five years. The Asp is appearing in Thursday's showpiece at the O2 and could potentially take on Littler in the final. Aspinall told talkSPORT: "I think he'll be off in about five years. "He's 18. He does a lot on YouTube, he's good mates with AngryGinge. "I can see him going down that path, in my opinion. "He's already getting fed up with playing and travelling all the time, and he's only been doing it 12 months." Premier League Darts 2025 THE Premier League Darts is back with eight players vying for massive prize money and Luke Littler's crown. The teenager, who went on to win the world title in December, won the Premier League in 2024 and will be looking to defend his crown over 18 thrilling weeks. There were two new entries this season, with Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey replacing Peter Wright and Michael Smith. Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall keep their place in what will be a hotly-contested title race. INFORMATION Full schedule and results, dates, TV and live stream info Latest standings as we head to Finals night How much prize money is on offer in the Premier League? LATEST DARTS NEWS Humphries make shock wardrobe change for Premier League Darts in Leeds Moment darts star awkwardly falls off stage Luke Littler goes public for first time with new girlfriend SEASON SO FAR Night One - Belfast Night Two - Glasgow Night Three - Dublin Night Four - Exeter Night Five - Brighton Night Six - Nottingham Night Seven - Cardiff Night Eight - Newcastle Night Nine - Berlin Night 10 - Manchester Night 11 - Rotterdam Night 12 - Liverpool Night 13 - Birmingham Night 14 - Leeds But Littler responded to the claim just a day later, insisting he is for the long haul. He said: "I've heard that. I'll be here in 10 years. "Obviously, it's crazy to even think about retiring at the minute. "I think what they're saying is that if we win 16 titles in the next 16 World Championships, then obviously I will retire. "I don't think of any retirement at the minute. The money, it's there to be won, especially the World Championships now."
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Luke Littler breaks silence on retirement talk as world champion reveals only thing that could make him quit darts
LUKE TO THE FUTURE Luke Littler breaks silence on retirement talk as world champion reveals only thing that could make him quit darts LUKE LITTLER has dismissed suggestions he might retire from darts by the age of 23, saying: Don't worry – I'll be around for a very long time. Yet there is one condition under which he would hang up his darts early – if he wins 16 world titles in a row to eclipse the legendary Phil Taylor. 1 Luke Littler has shut down suggestions he will retire early Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Nuke, who turned 18 in January, will attempt to defend his Premier League crown on Thursday, aiming to earn £335,000 in total cash. On the eve of his return to the O2 Arena, stable mate and 'big brother' figure Nathan Aspinall claimed the world champ could call it quits in five years. That is once he has had enough of the gruelling travel schedule and also banked millions in prize money. The Asp, 33, said: 'Even now, Luke could retire and not worry about money in his life. Simple as that. He'll always have exhibition work. READ MORE IN DARTS DARTING OFF Luke Littler tipped to walk away from darts within five years for new career 'I hope he stays for as long as he can. 'If he is fed up of the travel now – and he has a girlfriend, and maybe one day he'll have a child – with £30million sat in his bank, does he really want to travel to Wigan on a cold Tuesday morning? Probably not. 'He's coming out of his shell a bit at the moment. I'm really close to Luke. During this Premier League campaign he's become a man now. 'I can hold a conversation with him – it's not all about Xbox.' CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS When it was put to the tungsten teenager that he may decide to toss aside the arrows – and he has already skipped plenty of European Tour events this year – it was laughed off. Littler, the world No2, said: 'I've heard that. I'll be here in 10 years. 'Shambles' - Luke Littler savages Man Utd in one word over Bruno Fernandes transfer links and gives Amorim verdict 'Obviously, it's crazy to even think about retiring at the minute. 'I think what they're saying is that if we win 16 titles in the next 16 World Championships, then obviously I will retire. 'I don't think of any retirement at the minute. The money, it's there to be won, especially the World Championships now. 'But not only that, everything has gone up. It's all about what you're feeling and I'm sure I'll be here for a long time.' In semi-final one, Littler takes on bogeyman Gerwyn Price – he has lost six of his past eight matches to the Welshman – over the best of 19 legs and then Aspinall is up against Luke Humphries in front of 14,000 fans. Littler won £60,000 for six nightly league wins over four months and he will try to emulate Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen who defended the Prem trophy, which carries a cheque of £275,000. He said: 'There has been a target on my back for the past 18 months, since I first came on Tour. Everyone wants to beat me. 'I know that if I am not on my A game, then they're going to catch me up. 'The stats are there. I've dominated in many ways, averages, 180s, ton-plus checkouts but it's down to one night. 'It would mean everything to win again. It's obviously my first big TV title defence but for myself I just have to look forward to the first semi-final with Gerwyn and go from there.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Luke Littler breaks silence on retirement talk as world champion reveals only thing that could make him quit darts
LUKE LITTLER has dismissed suggestions he might retire from darts by the age of 23, saying: Don't worry – I'll be around for a very long time. Yet there is one condition under which he would hang up his darts early – if he wins 16 world titles in a row to eclipse the legendary Phil Taylor. Advertisement 1 Luke Littler has shut down suggestions he will retire early Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Nuke, who turned 18 in January, will attempt to defend his Premier League crown on Thursday, aiming to earn £335,000 in total cash. On the eve of his return to the O2 Arena, stable mate and 'big brother' figure Nathan Aspinall claimed the world champ could call it quits in five years. That is once he has had enough of the gruelling travel schedule and also banked millions in prize money. The Asp, 33, said: 'Even now, Luke could retire and not worry about money in his life. Simple as that. He'll always have exhibition work. Advertisement READ MORE IN DARTS 'I hope he stays for as long as he can. 'If he is fed up of the travel now – and he has a girlfriend, and maybe one day he'll have a child – with £30million sat in his bank, does he really want to travel to Wigan on a cold Tuesday morning? Probably not. 'He's coming out of his shell a bit at the moment. I'm really close to Luke. During this Premier League campaign he's become a man now. 'I can hold a conversation with him – it's not all about Xbox.' Advertisement Most read in Darts CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS When it was put to the tungsten teenager that he may decide to toss aside the arrows – and he has already skipped plenty of European Tour events this year – it was laughed off. 'Shambles' - Luke Littler savages Man Utd in one word over Bruno Fernandes transfer links and gives Amorim verdict 'Obviously, it's crazy to even think about retiring at the minute. Advertisement 'I think what they're saying is that if we win 16 titles in the next 16 World Championships, then obviously I will retire. 'I don't think of any retirement at the minute. The money, it's there to be won, especially the World Championships now. 'But not only that, everything has gone up. It's all about what you're feeling and I'm sure I'll be here for a long time.' In semi-final one, Littler takes on bogeyman Advertisement Littler won £60,000 for six nightly league wins over four months and he will try to emulate Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen who defended the Prem trophy, which carries a cheque of £275,000. He said: 'There has been a target on my back for the past 18 months, since I first came on Tour. Everyone wants to beat me. 'I know that if I am not on my A game, then they're going to catch me up. 'The stats are there. I've dominated in many ways, averages, 180s, ton-plus checkouts but it's down to one night. Advertisement 'It would mean everything to win again. It's obviously my first big TV title defence but for myself I just have to look forward to the first semi-final with Gerwyn and go from there.'
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Michael van Gerwen and wife split up after darts star 'gave up' on stage
Michael van Gerwen and wife split up after darts star 'gave up' on stage Dutchman Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from upcoming darts tournaments after confirming he and his wife, Daphne Govers, have split up, deciding to end their 11-year marriage Michael van Gerwen has announced a split from his wife, Daphne Govers (Image: Getty Images ) Michael van Gerwen has announced he and his wife, Daphne Govers, have sadly separated. The 36-year-old darts sensation was due to take part in the Elden Safety Shoes Dutch Darts Championship on Saturday evening, but ultimately withdrew from his first round fixture with Mickey Mansell, giving the Northern Irishman a bye. And as the PDC announced Van Gerwen's withdrawal from the tournament, the Dutchman was quick to explain his reasoning as he prepares for a short hiatus from the sport. In a statement, he said: "It is with great sadness that I announce that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. As a result I have decided to withdraw from the upcoming tournaments. "I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. We are facing a difficult time and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this period." Van Gerwen and Daphne initially started dating in 2008, before tying the knot in 2014 and going on to welcome two children together in Zoe and Mike. Now, after 11 years of matrimony, the two are set to go their separate ways. It comes after Nathan Aspinall noticed a change in his opponent during their clash in the Premier League quarter-finals in Sheffield on Thursday evening. Article continues below Aspinall needed a win over Van Gerwen to ensure that he would be at London's O2 for the final, while MVG needed to beat the Asp and win all night to take the fourth spot in the tournament. Michael van Gerwen and his wife Daphne (Image: Michael van Gerwen/Instagram ) In remarkable fashion, Aspinall was able to engineer a comfortable 6-2 win over the three-time world champion, who looked dejected as he stepped up to the oche. And Aspinall spotted that Van Gerwen was off the pace for one reason or another on the night, telling Sky Sports: "There was a lot of emotion after walking off stage. "I had to take myself away. I spoke so highly of Michael all week and go and win tonight. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below "I don't know what is going on but he didn't look himself again. Even on that stage, he was giving up." Meanwhile, Van Gerwen's close friend, Vincent van der Voort told AD of the performance: "I don't see someone who wants to win at all costs. [Luke] Littler and [Luke] Humphries are really not better, but at the moment they are. "He should not accept that." As a result of the fixture, Aspinall will go on to face Humphries at the O2 on Finals Night, while Littler will face Gerwyn Price.
