Seventeen-year-old Luke Littler secured his third victory of the Premier League season in a commanding 6-2 triumph over Rob Cross in Liverpool, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the UK darts scene. Despite his popularity, Littler, a Manchester United fan, faced resounding boos from the 8,500-strong crowd.
Undeterred by the hostile reception, Littler embraced the atmosphere, often taunting the crowd by cupping his hands to his ears and signaling ‘2-0′ in reference to Liverpool’s recent defeat to Everton. His journey to the final included impressive victories over Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall, culminating in a dominant five-leg lead over Cross.
With his victory, Littler now leads the Premier League table, surpassing world champion Luke Humphries and positioning himself as a strong contender for the playoffs at London’s O2 Arena. Reflecting on his performance, Littler expressed satisfaction with his ability to engage with the crowd and maintain composure under pressure.
Despite facing opposition from the audience for the first time in his career, Littler showcased remarkable confidence and resilience, using the negative energy as motivation. His ability to thrive in challenging circumstances was evident throughout the tournament, particularly in his comeback against Aspinall and his clinical finish against Cross.
As the youngest competitor in the Premier League, Littler’s meteoric rise continues to captivate fans and pundits alike. With each victory, he solidifies his place among darts’ elite, demonstrating a maturity and skill beyond his years.
