LITTLER URGED TO TURN HEEL

LUKE LITTLER has been urged to turn HEEL after clashing with boo-boys during his World Championship triumph.

‘The Nuke’ memorably fired back at hostile fans on his way to lifting the title, declaring, “You pay for my prize money,” during a defiant on-stage interview at the oche.

WWE superstar Drew McIntyre believes Littler should fully embrace being darts’ villain as his dominance continues to grow.

McIntyre insists that constant winning can quickly turn crowds against even the game’s brightest stars and reckons Littler embracing the jeers would only boost interest in the sport.

He told SPORTbible: “He is still young. Eventually, if you just keep winning, winning, winning, people get bored of it or whatever.

“He is probably getting some of the stick that is getting to him, so lean into it.

“Start saying how you feel, as long as you keep the performances going and the victories coming.

“You have to win when you talk that much trash. More people will show up — it is going to generate more interest in darts.

“He starts leaning into it and starts running his mouth like he did in that one interview after the crowd were giving him a bit of stick. That is what makes attendances grow. It is always historic.

“If you look at Muhammad Ali, people hated him. They paid to see him lose.

“But he was too good. People pay extra money for heels. It’s boring if the good guy wins all the time.

“So, I’m excited to see him go to the dark side. Get the numbers up and there is a fine line between love and hate.

“He will turn good again and be even bigger down the future.”

World No1 Littler has already started the year off in brilliant fashion after winning the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters last week.

The teenage sensation returns to action at the Winmau World Masters on 29 January, as he bids to capture the crown for the first time in his already illustrious career.

Image by Taylor Lanning.