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The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Luke Littler skipping event and makes cheeky joke after finding out where it is
LUKE LITTLER plans to take a short break from darts and is not tempted to make a trip into enemy territory this week. The Nuke won the £200,000 World Matchplay in Blackpool on Sunday night and then marked the occasion by playing his Xbox computer until '3am or 4am'. 5 The arrows will be left in his case now as he intends to 'chill out' at home in Warrington following his fifth major TV success in 15 months. As he pointedly said: 'I can't wait to go home and back to normal reality.' It is a richly-deserved week off after managing to add another trophy to his superb CV. He celebrated lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy for the first time by posing for photos on stage with his parents, girlfriend Faith and management. People probably underestimate the mammoth effort it takes to win a darts major these days. Especially in hot and sweaty conditions at the historic Winter Gardens venue and given it was only his second tournament appearance. Given the physical and mental effort required, it is why he normally takes a week off after the top TV events and prefers to forgo the ProTour circuit, which is held behind-closed-doors. On Tuesday and Wednesday there are two Players Championships in the German city of Hildesheim. Yet there is ZERO chance he will play in them, even though the points would improve his ranking position ahead of the Players Championship Finals at Butlin's Minehead in late November. As it stands, he is ranked joint 11th on the ProTour money list with £132,500 against his name. In his post-final press conference, Littler said he would return to the oche for World Series of Darts trips to Australia (August 8-9) and New Zealand (August 15-16). One journalist asked the teen sensation: 'And then ProTour (on) Tuesday?' Littler feigned mock surprise and said: 'Is there? Is there?' Dave Allen, the PDC Head of Media, injected and said: 'It's in Germany.' Littler, who hails from Warrington, joked 'Is it?' before adding: 'Nah, nah. Maybe if it was Wigan. Maybe.' It was all said in a funny fashion but it showed his intention not to play any events until he flies Down Under. Part of the reason why he would not have fancied a visit to Germany just now is the bad reaction he gets from the fans there. 5 5 When he played in the Berlin Premier League on April 3, he was booed by the German punters. It also happened during the German Darts Grand Prix over Easter in Munich when he was beaten in the semi-finals by Gian van Veen. After that event, emotion got the better of him and he posted on Instagram: 'Shouldn't of been in Munich but had to play anyway, next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that.' Littler and Luke Humphries teamed up together to play for England at last month's World Cup of Darts and were strong favourites to lift the team title. But they were dumped out of the quarter-finals 8-4 by the German pairing of Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko in Frankfurt. The reception they got was ear-splittingly noisy and winning in Germany is something Littler will have to overcome in the next few years, especially as the country is a powerhouse of the sport.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Why Luke Littler is still not world No1 despite best darts player on the planet completing Triple Crown within 15 months
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER is the best darts player in the world at present – but why is he not the world No.1 according to the PDC? Midway through his second year as a professional player, The Nuke completed the Triple Crown set when he lifted the Betfred World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Luke Littler beat James Wade to win the World Matchplay in Blackpool on Sunday night Credit: Getty 6 Littler shared a warm embrace and kiss with his parents on stage at the Winter Gardens Credit: Getty 6 Littler celebrated the triumph with his girlfriend Faith Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Within a 15-month period, the 18-year-old has taken possession of the Premier League Darts crown, the World Championship and now the Matchplay title – the three most prestigious and richest tournaments in the sport. Littler is Box Office material and his 18-13 victory in the final over James Wade was secured with a three-dart average of 107.24. That was the highest seen in the final since Phil Taylor was victorious in 2014 – the year he won his 15th of a record 16 crowns – with 107.19. The £200,000 winner's cheque means the Warrington teen has earned £1,500,500 in ranking money since the start of January 2024. That total does not include the HALF A MILLION pounds he has earned from competing in two editions of the Premier League. READ MORE DARTS NEWS LUKE AT THAT Littler is youngest EVER triple crown winner after winning World Matchplay Luke Humphries is top of the standings with £1,797,750 but the gap is only £297,250 and there is a fair chance Littler will become the official world No.1 come the end of the year. In fact it might come sooner than that when the packed autumn schedule begins and there is a run of four major TV titles that carry lucrative cash sums. The PDC Order of Merit is based on prize money won over a two-year period by players in ranking tournaments. 6 Luke Littler became the youngest world darts champion, aged 18, when he won the title in January Credit: Reuters BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS List of all-time Darts World Champions BELOW is a list of darts world champions by year. The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions. That means Raymond van Barneveld, for example, is only listed once - Barney also won four BDO titles - and none of Eric Bristow's five BDO titles are included. 1994 - Dennis Priestley 1995 - Phil Taylor 1996 - Phil Taylor (2) 1997 - Phil Taylor (3) 1998 - Phil Taylor (4) 1999 - Phil Taylor (5) 2000 - Phil Taylor (6) 2001 - Phil Taylor (7) 2002 - Phil Taylor (8) 2003 - John Part 2004 - Phil Taylor (9) 2005 - Phil Taylor (10) 2006 - Phil Taylor (11) 2007 - Raymond van Barneveld 2008 - John Part (2) 2009 - Phil Taylor (12) 2010 - Phil Taylor (13) 2011 - Adrian Lewis 2012 - Adrian Lewis (2) 2013 - Phil Taylor (14) 2014 - Michael van Gerwen 2015 - Gary Anderson 2016 - Gary Anderson (2) 2017 - Michael van Gerwen (2) 2018 - Rob Cross 2019 - Michael van Gerwen (3) 2020 - Peter Wright 2021 - Gerwyn Price 2022 - Peter Wright (2) 2023 - Michael Smith 2024 - Luke Humphries 2025 - Luke Littler Most World Titles 14 - Phil Taylor 3 - Michael van Gerwen 2 - John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright 1 - Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler In the latter half of 2023, Humphries, 30, announced himself as the dominant figure, winning the World Grand Prix (£120,000), Grand Slam of Darts (£150,000) and Players Championship Finals (£120,000) – before lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy (£500,000) for the first time. In total, Cool Hand Luke has to defend £890,000 prize money between October 6, 2025 and January 3, 2026. Luke Littler, 18, plants kiss on girlfriend Faith, 19, during walk-on for World Matchplay Darts quarter-final In contrast, Littler is defending NOTHING right now because he is yet to complete a full second term in the pro ranks. Everything he gets is a free hit and will only boost his chances of being the top oche thrower. If Humphries were to keep losing in the early rounds – his Matchplay defence ended in round one in a 10-8 loss to Gian van Veen – and Littler continues to win, then the switch between the two Lukes will take place sooner than possible. It might happen in November at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, that is assuming Humphries is knocked out early at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. 6 The Nuke bagged £315,000 in prize money as he lifted the Premier League Darts trophy in May 2024 Credit: Getty There is a strong chance come the start of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championships, which begins on December 11 and is now a 20-day event, then Littler will return to Ally Pally, where he was victorious in January, as the undisputed best player on the planet. Do not forget, of course, that the prize money for the Worlds has doubled from £500,000 to £1million this time, which completely skewers the world ranking standings even more for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. I've looked at the rankings provisionally. I'm No.1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn't defend all that prize money." Luke Littler after winning the World Matchplay Littler has long said that his main ambitions in the sport are to win every major at least once and become world No.1. That might happen sooner than he wants – indeed this time next year he may tick off all those targets. Speaking on Sunday night with the Phil Taylor Trophy in his hands, Littler said that he had looked at the PDC website and had done the maths. He said: 'The start of my career I wanted to win one of every major. There's not that many to go. 'I've looked at the rankings provisionally. I'm No.1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn't defend all that prize money. 'Obviously I don't want him to. But we'll just have to find out and try and add more money to my rankings.' Asked if he would still have the hunger to win after potentially lifting every major title at least once, Littler replied: 'That's what everybody is probably thinking once I've won one of everything. 'But for myself, I have to build on it and get multiple of everything, triple of everything. Once I win one of everything, I won't pack it in just yet.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Why Luke Littler is still not world No1 despite best darts player on the planet completing Triple Crown within 15 months
LUKE LITTLER is the best darts player in the world at present – but why is he not the world No.1 according to the PDC? Midway through his second year as a professional player, Betfred World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday night. 6 Luke Littler beat James Wade to win the World Matchplay in Blackpool on Sunday night Credit: Getty 6 Littler shared a warm embrace and kiss with his parents on stage at the Winter Gardens Credit: Getty 6 Littler celebrated the triumph with his girlfriend Faith Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Within a 15-month period, the 18-year-old has taken possession of the Premier League Darts crown, the World Championship and now the Matchplay title – the three most prestigious and richest tournaments in the sport. Littler is Box Office material and his 18-13 victory in the final over James Wade was secured with a three-dart average of 107.24. That was the highest seen in the final since Phil Taylor was victorious in 2014 – the year he won his 15th of a record 16 crowns – with 107.19. The £200,000 winner's cheque means the Warrington teen has earned £1,500,500 in ranking money since the start of January 2024. That total does not include the HALF A MILLION pounds he has earned from competing in two editions of the Premier League. READ MORE DARTS NEWS Luke Humphries is In fact it might come sooner than that when the packed autumn schedule begins and there is a run of four major TV titles that carry lucrative cash sums. The PDC Order of Merit is based on prize money won over a two-year period by players in ranking tournaments. 6 Luke Littler became the youngest world darts champion, aged 18, when he won the title in January Credit: Reuters BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Most read in Sport List of all-time Darts World Champions BELOW is a list of darts world champions by year. The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions. That means Raymond van Barneveld, for example, is only listed once - Barney also won four BDO titles - and none of Eric Bristow's five BDO titles are included. 1994 - Dennis Priestley 1995 - Phil Taylor 1996 - Phil Taylor (2) 1997 - Phil Taylor (3) 1998 - Phil Taylor (4) 1999 - Phil Taylor (5) 2000 - Phil Taylor (6) 2001 - Phil Taylor (7) 2002 - Phil Taylor (8) 2003 - John Part 2004 - Phil Taylor (9) 2005 - Phil Taylor (10) 2006 - Phil Taylor (11) 2007 - Raymond van Barneveld 2008 - John Part (2) 2009 - Phil Taylor (12) 2010 - Phil Taylor (13) 2011 - Adrian Lewis 2012 - Adrian Lewis (2) 2013 - Phil Taylor (14) 2014 - Michael van Gerwen 2015 - Gary Anderson 2016 - Gary Anderson (2) 2017 - Michael van Gerwen (2) 2018 - Rob Cross 2019 - Michael van Gerwen (3) 2020 - Peter Wright 2021 - Gerwyn Price 2022 - Peter Wright (2) 2023 - Michael Smith 2024 - Luke Humphries 2025 - Luke Littler Most World Titles 14 - Phil Taylor 3 - Michael van Gerwen 2 - John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright 1 - Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler In the latter half of 2023, Humphries, 30, announced himself as the dominant figure, winning the World Grand Prix (£120,000), Grand Slam of Darts (£150,000) and Players Championship Finals (£120,000) – before lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy (£500,000) for the first time. In total, Luke Littler, 18, plants kiss on girlfriend Faith, 19, during walk-on for World Matchplay Darts quarter-final In contrast, Littler is defending NOTHING right now because he is yet to complete a full second term in the pro ranks. Everything he gets is a free hit and will only boost his chances of being the top oche thrower. If Humphries were to keep losing in the early rounds – his Matchplay defence ended in round one in a 10-8 loss to Gian van Veen – and Littler continues to win, then the switch between the two Lukes will take place sooner than possible. It might happen in November at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, that is assuming Humphries is knocked out early at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. 6 The Nuke bagged £315,000 in prize money as he lifted the Premier League Darts trophy in May 2024 Credit: Getty There is a strong chance come the start of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championships, which begins on December 11 and is now a 20-day event, then Littler will return to Ally Pally, where he was victorious in January, as the undisputed best player on the planet. Do not forget, of course, that the prize money for the Worlds has doubled from £500,000 to £1million this time, which completely skewers the world ranking standings even more for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. I've looked at the rankings provisionally. I'm No.1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn't defend all that prize money." Luke Littler after winning the World Matchplay Littler has long said that his main ambitions in the sport are to win every major at least once and become world No.1. That might happen sooner than he wants – indeed this time next year he may tick off all those targets. Speaking on Sunday night with the Phil Taylor Trophy in his hands, Littler said that he had looked at the PDC website and had done the maths. He said: 'The start of my career I wanted to win one of every major. There's not that many to go. 'I've looked at the rankings provisionally. I'm No.1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn't defend all that prize money. 'Obviously I don't want him to. But we'll just have to find out and try and add more money to my rankings.' Asked if he would still have the hunger to win after potentially lifting every major title at least once, Littler replied: 'That's what everybody is probably thinking once I've won one of everything. 'But for myself, I have to build on it and get multiple of everything, triple of everything. Once I win one of everything, I won't pack it in just yet.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Luke Littler beats James Wade to claim World Matchplay crown for first time
Luke Littler won his first World Matchplay crown as James Wade's run in Blackpool fell at the final hurdle. Littler claimed a hard-fought 18-13 victory at the Winter Gardens to become the fifth player to win the PDC triple crown – Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Luke Humphries having also won World Championship, Matchplay and Premier League titles. Wade was in his seventh Matchplay final 18 years on from his solitary success in 2007, which came six months after Littler was born. Littler's scoring power in a high-quality contest proved decisive – he hit 17 180s to Wade's six in averaging 107 – and set a new tournament record of 64 maximums, beating Adrian Lewis' previous best of 56. 'It means absolutely everything,' Littler told Sky Sports after winning the last four legs to hold the Phil Taylor Trophy aloft. 'I idolise Phil, he's come here 16 times and won it. Now my name is on this trophy – and I can say I've completed the triple crown. 'Since I started on the tour and got my tour card I've always said to myself: 'As long as I win one of every major I'll be happy'. I've only got a few left to tick off and I'll definitely chase the majors I haven't won yet.' Littler had to mount another comeback 24 hours after losing the first five legs of his semi-final to Northern Ireland's Josh Rock. Wade stormed into a 5-0 lead but did not have a single dart at a double in the second mini-session as Littler levelled in style. The 42-year-old left-hander produced an 11-darter in the next, but Littler responded by winning successive legs to lead for the first time at 7-6. Wade managed to keep in touch, helped by a bull finish in the 19th leg, and fought back from a double break down to cut the gap to just one at 14-13. But Littler pulled away and crossed the line in style with a 115 out shot (20-57-38), the biggest finish of the match. 'A little bit,' Littler said when asked if he had felt in control. 'Five-nil down once again, I said: 'I've been here before, what are you doing?' But I managed to pull it out of the bag and win the next five. I've shown I can come back from 5-0 or 7-3 down. I'm happy I can pull myself out of these scorelines, but I don't want to be 5-0 down again. James started to drop off a bit and I started to find my best darts.' Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion By winning the title 18-year-old Littler became the youngest ever champion in Matchplay history, six years younger than Wade when he lifted the title.
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Luke Littler beats James Wade to win first World Matchplay crown in Blackpool
Luke Littler won his first World Matchplay crown as James Wade's remarkable run in Blackpool fell at the final hurdle. Littler claimed a hard-fought 18-13 victory at the Winter Gardens to become the fifth player to win the PDC Triple Crown – Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Luke Humphries having also won World Championship, Matchplay and Premier League titles. Advertisement Wade was in his seventh Matchplay final 18 years on from his solitary success in 2007, which came six months after Littler was born. Luke Littler is the new king of the Winter Gardens! 👑 The 18-year-old produces another spectacular performance to become the youngest champion in the history of the Betfred World Matchplay! 👏 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 27, 2025 Littler's scoring power in a high-quality contest proved decisive – he hit 17 180s to Wade's six in averaging 107 – and set a new tournament record of 64 maximums, beating Adrian Lewis' previous best of 56. 'It means absolutely everything,' Littler told Sky Sports after winning the last four legs to hold the Phil Taylor Trophy aloft. 'I idolise Phil, he's come here 16 times and won it. Now my name is on this trophy – and I can say I've completed the Triple Crown. Advertisement 'Since I started on the Tour and got my Tour card I've always said to myself, 'as long as I win one of every major I'll be happy.' 'I've only got a few left to tick off and I'll definitely chase the majors I haven't won yet.' Littler had to mount another comeback 24 hours after losing the first five legs of his semi-final to Northern Ireland's Josh Rock. Wade stormed into a 5-0 lead but did not have a single dart at a double in the second mini-session as Littler levelled in style. Advertisement The 42-year-old left-hander produced an 11-darter in the next, but Littler responded by winning successive legs to lead for the first time at 7-6. Wade managed to keep in touch, helped by a bull finish in the 19th leg, and fought back from a double break down to cut the gap to just one at 14-13. LITTLER REIGNS AT THE WINTER GARDENS! ☢️ LUKE LITTLER IS THE 2025 WORLD MATCHPLAY CHAMPION! The World Champion produces a sensational display to defeat James Wade 18-13 and lift the Phil Taylor Trophy for the first time! 👏 #MatchplayDarts | Final — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 27, 2025 But Littler pulled away and crossed the line in style with a 115 out shot (20-57-38), the biggest finish of the match. 'A little bit,' Littler said when asked if he had felt in control. 'Five-nil down once again, I said, 'I've been here before, what are you doing?' Advertisement 'But I managed to pull it out of the bag and win the next five. I've shown I can come back from 5-0 or 7-3 down. 'I'm happy I can pull myself out of these scorelines, but I don't want to be 5-0 down again. 'James started to drop off a bit and I started to find my best darts.' By winning the title 18-year-old Littler became the youngest ever champion in Matchplay history, six years younger than Wade when he lifted the title. Advertisement
