Hearn tells Littler to follow Price blueprint to silence boo boys

BARRY HEARN reckons Luke Littler can silence his boo boys just like Gerwyn Price did.

The PDC President believes the teenage world No1 should take inspiration from Price, who went from being one of darts’ biggest targets to one of its most popular stars.

Price, 41, famously wore ear defenders during the 2023 World Championship as he was relentlessly jeered by supporters.

The world No4 even threatened to walk away from the sport before gradually winning fans over in recent years, with his trademark “Gwaarn” chants now regularly ringing around arenas.

14-time major winner Littler was whistled at and heckled throughout the World Series Finals earlier this month, even threatening to boycott events in Holland as a result.

The Nuke also endured a barrage of abuse from fans at various Premier League venues this year, with the hostile reception becoming so intense that he was reduced to tears after winning the title.

Hearn advised Littler not to react and let his darts do the talking instead.

He told Sky Sports: "In my view, he's a natural-born darts player. He's making a huge amount of money.

“He's changing his family's life and generations beyond, which is what all sports stars should aim for. He is the best in the world, clearly.

"His record says that. He is 19 and his schedule is something that needs delicate managing and he's got a good team behind him to make sure he achieves that.

"And he will get booed and frankly, when was the last time you saw a penalty being taken in the home end by the visitors? Was it quiet or did they boo? You've got to get used to this sort of thing. It's part and parcel of being a professional.

"Of course, we hope and try to encourage the crowd to show decent order, but there are times when you're in someone else's back garden.

“It's happened to a lot of players over the years.

“[Peter] Manley was the first one I came into contact with, but of late, Price got a lot of stick.

“He smiled back at them and today, he's one of the world's most popular players. Luke has got to concentrate on that more, showing that it doesn't affect him.

"He's good enough to show that he can still win and that basically will keep the boo boys, who are out of order by the way, without doubt, keep them quiet."

Image: Taylor Lanning