World champion Luke Littler: The audience is his biggest opponent

At the start of 2026, things will be exciting at the Darts World Cup in London. On New Year’s Day (1.30 p.m. and 8 p.m./Sport1 and DAZN) are waiting in the famous Alexandra Palace in the north of the British capital Quarterfinal duels.

All of them promise excitement. The focus is World champion Luke Littler. In terms of sport, the defending champions don’t have to fear anyone at this World Cup. But the 18-year-old Englishman made a sideshow in the 4-2 win against Rob Cross in his last game in 2025 – with the fans.

After unexpected Booing against him, Littler addressed supporters directly at the Ally Pally and said: “You pay for tickets and you pay my prize money. Thanks for booing me.” With a red face and plenty of satisfaction, he claimed: “It doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t bother me at all.” Or maybe it is?

Looking ahead to his next game against Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski, Littler said: “I will prepare for the worst.” The young star reached the final in 2024 and became world champion for the first time in 2025. Littler’s biggest challenger is world number two Luke Humphries. The Englishman meets the Dutch European champion Gian van Veen.

By Editor

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