Luke Littler couldn’t help but bite back at the Berlin crowd during Thursday night’s drubbing against Chris Dobey in the German capital. The world champion was denied a third consecutive nightly win by Dobey, who progressed into the Premier League Darts semi-finals by virtue of a 6-2 hammering.
Littler struggled to find his rhythm throughout night nine of the Premier League, with Dobey more than happy to capitalise on the Nuke’s uncharacteristic mistakes. The warning signs that it was an off night for Littler were there from the off, with the world No.2 scoring just 26 during a visit to the board in the third leg.
The crowd, sensing vulnerability from the usually infallible darts ace, reacted to the shot with ironic cheers – something Littler was quick to acknowledge. The Warrington-based starlet gesticulated for the crowd to keep jeering him, which – unsurprisingly – led to an even louder response.
Littler’s struggles continued throughout the contest, with the teenager going on to miss 11 darts at a double during the first four legs alone. It allowed Dobey to open up a gap, with Hollywood having at one point lead 5-1. He eventually wrapped the match up two legs later, with Littler dumped out in his opening match of this year’s Premier League for just the third time.
It comes after Littler suggested legendary darts ace Phil Taylor would’ve struggled to win as much as he did throughout his career, had the Power been playing today. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast alongside Gary Neville, reigning world champion Littler explained: “There’s a record there [Phil Taylor’s] to be broken, but it’s going to take some doing.
“He also won the World Matchplay 16 times, so he’s won two of the big majors 16 times – it’ll take some doing. It [the competition] is a lot better now. You still had Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow – it was still a good field, but nowadays, I think Phil would struggle.”
Despite the audacious claim, Littler did reveal he idolised Taylor growing up and will struggle to match the icon’s achievements. He added: “Phil Taylor was my idol. If I can be bothered to stay in darts for that time, I could maybe beat his record. He was 52 when he won his 16th world title. If I want to, then I will.”
Littler will continue his Premier League campaign next week when the action resumes from Manchester.
