LITTLER CUTS FAN JIBES AND DECLARES HIMSELF THE MAN TO BEAT

LUKE LITTLER admitted to cutting out on-stage banter with fans after battling for results in this year’s Premier League.

‘The Nuke’ is one of the sport’s biggest showmen and is often seen winding up spectators with wild trick shots and playful antics on stage.

But Littler was desperate to claim a maiden nightly win in this year’s tournament and finally did so in Cardiff. 

World No.1 Littler ended his five-week wait by beating Josh Rock, Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton on his way to the Night Five title. 

Littler, who now sits third in the table, revealed he kept it strictly business on the oche, minimizing his usual crowd interaction. 

He said: “Usually I get on to them, but tonight I just felt like I needed to win. 

“Like I’ve always said, do the hard work and then in the final just relax. 

“I didn’t give too much away, I didn’t give too much to the fans, and yeah, I got the win. 

“On stage I’ve not been bantering around too much because I’ve not been winning.” 

The 10-time major winner has now warned the rest of the field that he remains the man to beat in the competition. 

Littler was in sensational form, smashing in two 170 checkouts on the night, averaging over 105 in two of his three matches and narrowly missing double 15 for a nine-darter in the final. 

He added: “You don’t usually see two in a night, but for myself to get two was a little bit special. 

“I saw a few people messaging me about not hitting the big fish, I hope people put bets on tonight and I have won them money.   

“There wasn’t a lot in it leading into tonight. 

“But yeah, I knew if I win I’d be in a good position and that’s what I’ve done. 

“Tonight’s obviously definitely a statement to everyone out there. 

“Last week I saw a few comments. I went straight on to the betting and I was still favourite to win the league phase and title.

“So I just said to myself, fair enough — I’ve just got to pick myself up now and go on to win.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.