Littler sparks PDC concern as Euro Tour withdrawals leave organisers facing headache

LUKE LITTLER’S dislike of Germany has raised concerns over the growing number of top stars skipping PDC European Tour events.

The world No1 has only featured at the Poland Darts Open and Belgium Darts Open on the circuit this season.

Littler, 19, has not returned to Germany since his 7-4 semi-final defeat to Gian van Veen at the German Grand Prix 18 months ago, where he was also subjected to heckling from the crowd.

Former pro Vincent van der Voort believes the growing number of withdrawals is becoming a serious issue for darts chiefs, particularly as prize money continues to rise and fans pay to watch the sport’s biggest names.

He told the Darts Draait Door podcast: "Look, Littler has already said that he simply thinks Germany is a terrible country.

“But that is a problem, because that's where most of the European Tours are.

“And a few Pro Tours, of course. He doesn't usually come to those either.

“So you've already got your very best player who doesn't come very often."

Eight-time major winner Luke Humphries has prioritised exhibitions and Premier events this season, featuring at just two Euro Tours all year.

Van der Voort is concerned because, unlike Players Championship events, the European Tour relies on spectators attending venues to generate sell-out crowds.

He added: "Then you've got Humphries. He wasn't feeling great during the Premier League.

“He said, 'I'm not doing any European Tours for the next three months.'

“So then you've got the number one and, at the time, the number two in the world.

"If they withdraw from Players Championships, that's not such a problem.

“Those are the smallest tournaments, and they don't necessarily have to play them. But the European Tour still relies on the public expecting everyone to be there."

Despite both picking up a title on the circuit this season, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall are two other notable absentees from the European Tour.

Van der Voort continued: "Then, of course, you've got Gerwyn Price. He's entered for everything, but he never comes.

“Then you've got someone like Aspinall, a crowd-puller. He hardly comes anymore either. As an organiser, you've got a problem there."

The Dutch Destroyer believes a balance needs to be struck as Premier League players pull out of several high-profile events early in the season, creating a major headache for organisers.

He said: "Ultimately, as an organiser, you want to have the best players.

“Now you're getting to the point where you think: if my European Tour is in the first half of the year, I'm screwed.

“After the Premier League, I have a chance that good players will come. That's obviously a bad development as well."

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning