Luke Littler has hit out at people criticising him for competing in the World Darts Youth Championship. Littler, 18, surprised many when he announced he would be competing in the competition he won in 2013, which booked him a place at the 2023-24 World Darts Championship, the tournament where he announced himself to the country by reaching the final aged 16. 

Two years later, the now World No. 2 entered into the competition again, not long after hammering World No. 1 Luke Humphries in the World Grand Prix final. He was shocked by Beau Greaves, who beat him 6-5 to book her place in the final. Littler then lost to Richie Edhouse in Players Championship 31, leaving his hopes of reaching the Players Championship finals hanging by a thread. However, he found his quality to win Players Championship 32 and ensure he is at Minehead for the finals. 

After he did, he turned his attention to individuals criticising him for competing in the World Youth Championship. When it was mentioned his decision to compete in the tournament usually intended as a route for young players to reach the opening rounds at Alexandra Palace, Littler replied: “It’s the same venue where we professionals play.

“The likes of Gian van Veen, tour card holder, Keane Barry, tour card holder, but I’m the one who gets it in the neck. I didn’t win so obviously a lot of people were happy. I just thought I’d come and get used to playing first to five and first to six. That’s what I did today and yesterday.”

Littler also made some time to have a thinly veiled dig at darts fans who said he will not be able to get to Minehead. He added: “I ’m on social media. Lots of people were saying that I wasn’t going to make it. There you go, I’ve won it today.”