LITTLER LOOKS TO BOUNCE BACK FROM WORLD CUP HEARTBREAK

LUKE LITTLER is looking to have some fun in New York as he bids to erase the pain of England’s early World Cup exit.  

World Champion Littler is back in solo action following the nightmare second round loss against Germany alongside team-mate Luke Humphries. 

‘The Nuke’ was heavily booed by the Frankfurt crowd during the event and also caned in the aftermath of the defeat making it an unpleasant experience. 

But the teen sensation is keen to put the disappointment behind him and ready to light up Madison Square Garden in the US Darts Masters. 

He said: “Obviously me and Luke didn’t play the best of darts. We didn’t play too bad, very tough conditions, but now I’m on my own let’s have some fun. 

“There’s plenty of darts left to be thrown in the second half of the year, which I’m looking forward to. 

“The amount of majors that are involved at the minute, the amount of European tours that are left, this would be really good to kickstart the second half of the season.” 

World No. 2 Littler kicks off the World Series event with a clash against PDC Tour Card Holder Jules van Dongen in the opening round. 

He added: “I’m feeling very, very confident. I’ve just had a family holiday in Spain, but now I’m here, I’ll obviously practise before I play.  

“Obviously, he’s not playing the best of darts. 

“He’s going through quite a lot at the minute, but just trying to get another win here at the MSG.  

“I think the first game in any tournament, it’s always the biggest because you’ve got that winning feeling on stage and you know how to win.  

“I just look forward to that.” 

Beyond the oche, Littler is also dreaming big — predicting the day when darts takes over the main arena at the iconic venue.

He admitted: “Obviously it feels good.  

“I’m doing some media in the big arena, but I’m sure within a few years to come we’ll be in here and we won’t be in the little theatre. 

“It’s pretty much like the O2. 15,000/20,000, but the way darts is going at the minute and obviously it’s getting bigger over here in the States, I’m sure we’ll sell this out within a few years.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.