Luke Littler has come under fire for his post-match remarks after brushing aside Mike De Decker at the World Grand Prix in Leicester last week.
The teenage darts sensation, nicknamed “The Nuke,” cruised past the Belgian to continue his extraordinary run of form, but it was his choice of words afterwards that sparked criticism from within the sport.
Speaking after his victory, the 18-year-old world champion described the match as “a bit boring,” suggesting De Decker “didn’t play his best” and “couldn’t get those doubles to get him going.”
Littler added: “Obviously I’m very happy with the win, but Mike didn’t play his best there and I just had to play along.
“It was a bit boring at times, obviously I expected something from the reigning champion, but he just couldn’t get those doubles. I just had to do my job.”
Pressed further, he said he was surprised at how many chances his opponent had missed early in the contest.
“I think in the first set he missed quite a few doubles and then when we went 2–0 the screen came up as we walked off and it was something like eight out of 42 starting. I was just like: Crazy. But I just had to switch on and get the job done," he added.
Dutch darts veteran Vincent van der Voort took exception to the young champion’s comments, calling them “inappropriate” and urging him to show more respect for his fellow professionals.
Speaking on the Darts Draait Door podcast, Van der Voort said: “That’s just a tap on the chin you give someone like De Decker. You don’t have to say that.
“It’s inappropriate and not very nice. At the Grand Slam last year, Littler actually needed the crowd to beat De Decker.
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“And then to make comments like that about someone who won a tournament just last year, putting him down like that, I don’t like it.”
However, the Dutchman did temper his criticism with praise for Littler’s extraordinary form.
“There’s no shame in De Decker losing heavily to Littler. He’s just unbelievably good right now,” Van der Voort said, adding that the comments may at least “add a bit of spice” to their next encounter.
Littler’s whirlwind rise has come with scrutiny both for his performances and his packed schedule.
Less than 24 hours after lifting the Grand Prix title, he played in the World Youth Championship — where he lost to Beau Greaves, who will compete at the World Championship and in the Youth Final at Minehead next month.
The young star defended his decision to take part, pointing out that other professionals were also in the draw.
“The likes of Gian, tour card holder, Keane Barry, tour card holder — they were all there, but I’m the one who gets it in the neck,” Littler said after winning Players Championship 32.
“I didn’t win, so a lot of people were happy.”
After an intense fortnight of competition, Littler has now withdrawn from this weekend’s German Darts Championship, joining Luke Humphries, Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen on the sidelines.
Peter Wright will defend the title he claimed last year, where he beat Littler in the final.
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