Rowdy crowd at Australian Darts Masters faces criticism from Luke Littler for harsh fan remark
Luke Littler Secures Third World Series Title in Australian Darts Masters
Luke Littler has clinched his first World Series event win of the year, securing the Australian Darts Masters title in a controversial yet triumphant manner. The victory marks his third World Series title, adding to his achievements in Bahrain and Poland.
Littler's path to the final was not easy, as he had to defeat Haupai Puha, Damon Heta, and Stephen Bunting along the way. However, it was during his match against Puha that Littler found himself in the midst of a heated controversy. Some spectators labelled his on-stage behaviour as "disrespectful" after he deliberately targeted a single one instead of completing a maximum 180 score. This tactical move left him with 170 points for a potential big checkout, a decision that upset fans who expected a more conventional approach.
Despite the criticism, Littler remained unfazed and went on to win the title. He later downplayed the negative reactions, laughing off claims that he was "washed" (out of form). This incident highlights the complex relationship between fan behaviour and player tactics during darts matches, where strategic decisions can sometimes be interpreted as disrespectful to opponents or the spirit of the game.
With the Australian Darts Masters now behind him, Littler's attention turns to the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, where he will be one of eight PDC representatives in the draw. Littler feels the most confident he has in a long time after his recent wins and has stated that any losing final motivates him to come back and win. The New Zealand Darts Masters is scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
Littler has had a break from competitive play since his victory over James Wade on July 27. During this time, he has faced heckling from the crowd, particularly when he missed trebles. Littler explained that he would respond to heckling the first time he heard it, but then he would let it go and focus on his own game. One heckler called Littler "washed," but Littler responded by saying the darts did the talking.
Littler's victory in the Australian Darts Masters was a significant achievement, as he was the world champion at the time of the tournament. It also serves as the final event before the World Series Finals in Amsterdam next month. Littler has already made a name for himself in the darts world, having won the Australian Darts Masters, the World Matchplay, and the triple crown in darts at the age of 18. He will be looking to continue his impressive form in the upcoming New Zealand Darts Masters.
[1] [Source for controversial incident] [2] [Source for Littler's response to criticism] [3] [Source for fan reaction on social media]
In the world of darts, Luke Littler's latest victory in the Australian Darts Masters brings his total count of World Series titles to three, having previously won in Bahrain and Poland. Despite a controversial incident during his match against Haupai Puha, which sparked accusations of disrespectful behavior, Littler remained unfazed and claimed the title, showcasing his strategic prowess in high-pressure situations. [Source for controversial incident:] [2] [Source for Littler's response to criticism:]
Fueled by his recent success, Littler will be aiming to bring his A-game to the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, where he hopes to build upon his impressive darts career. [Source for fan reaction on social media:] [3]
