LITTLER EYES WORLD CUP TRIUMPH

LUKE LITTLER is looking to add a World Cup crown with England to his growing list of achievements this weekend. 

‘The Nuke’ will team up with Luke Humphries as the number one seed pair in Frankfurt. 

World No. 1 Humphries guided England to a record-breaking FIFTH tournament success with Michael Smith last year and a sixth title is being plotted ahead of the competition starting on Thursday. 

Five-times major winner Littler said: “I’ve not spoke to anyone about putting the shirt on for your country, but I am sure it is one of the best feelings you’ll ever have.  

“I’m sure me and Luke are ready for it. 

“Obviously Luke won it last year with Michael Smith, I’m sure he’ll want to go back-to-back.  

“For myself, I want to win it on debut just as much as Luke wants to retain it.” 

Teen sensation Littler will have to improve his recent form in Germany. 

The start of a hex can be charted back to September when Littler collapsed from a position of strength to lose to Peter Wright in the German Darts Championship final. 

Boos occurred on that occasion and Littler struggled on Night Nine of the Premier League in Berlin at the start of April before three weeks later he fell short of German Grand Prix success in Munich. 

World champion Littler added: “The only bad one last year was Hildesheim against Peter Wright.  

“I think I was 5-2 up, lost 8-5 and obviously as soon as you’re beating the home favourite, as everyone likes to call it, that is when they don’t start to like you. 

“I wouldn’t say it’s upset me but I would say I was obviously a bit angry. I wouldn’t say (during) Premier League.  

“The biggest one is Germany, but I did what Gerwyn Price always does, go on Instagram, have a bit of a moan and take it down half an hour later.” 

Warrington whizkid Littler was also asked whether he believed darts should become an Olympic sport.  

He revealed: “Yeah, there was a lot of talk last year on the Olympics and for myself, I don’t have a clue.  

“Would it be good? Would it be bad? I’m not really an Olympics person, so I won’t sit there and watch it. I don’t know if it would be good or bad for darts. I am not sure if it would fit in as much.” 

Littler will begin his campaign on Saturday with ‘Cool Hand’ in the second round.  

Image by Taylor Lanning.