LITTLER HAS GIVEN STARS “KICK UP BACKSIDE”
27/01/2024 By Phil Lanning
LUKE LITTLER has given the top darts stars “a kick up the backside” according to Gerwyn Price.
The former World Champion admits that the Warrington wonderkid has alerted the big guns to work harder after his sensational rise to fame.
Littler, 17, beat Price on the way to the Bahrain Masters title a week ago and now takes on Luke Humphries in a repeat of the World Championship final in the Dutch Masters tonight (Saturday).
Price said: “I don’t practice alot and I’ve been on the board more than I ever have!
“It gives you a kick up the backside and sort of re-energises you.”
Price also revealed he feels SORRY for World Champion Humphries as Littler steals the headlines and limelight.
He added: “I feel a little bit sorry for the other Luke (Humphries) if I’m honest with you.
“As good as Luke Littler is and the support he deserves, it sort of dampens the Luke Humphries World Champion and winning four majors on the bounce.
“But it’s great for darts but I do feel sorry for Luke Humphries.
“If (Luke Littler) drops off a little bit and Luke Humphries keeps performing, he’ll get what he deserves.”
Sports psychologist Martin Perry believes that Littler is “under no mental pressure” in the Humphries re-match.
Perry told SportsBoom.com: “At some point the roadshow may catch up with him. But for now, he’s surfing the wave of his talent. The opportunity, and the recognition.
“The only way Luke can prepare himself is to make sure he only has to concentrate on playing darts. If he becomes a celebrity, then that will take time away from his darts practice and downtime.
“Luke Littler is under no mental pressure whatsoever against Luke Humphries. He’s not an emotional player. He’s ice cold. Darts to target. Repeat. Minimal celebration. Back to business.
“He will only know how he handles the rigors of the schedule once he’s immersed in the schedule. Right now, it’s unknown. So, he must learn as he goes what he has to say no to.”
Saturday January 27 (6pm), ITV4.
Quarter-Finals
Luke Littler v Luke Humphries
Gerwyn Price v Kevin Doets
Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld
Gian van Veen v Danny Noppert
Best of 11 legs
Semi-Finals
Littler/Humphries v Price/Doets
Van Gerwen/Van Barneveld v Van Veen/Noppert
Best of 13 legs
Final
Littler/Humphries/Price/Doets v Van Gerwen/Van Barneveld/Van Veen/Noppert
Best of 15 legs
Images by Taylor Lanning.
