After Luke Littler’s victory there was basically only one topic. It was the world champion’s clinch with the fans in the Ally Pally. “Can I say something? You pay for the tickets. You pay my prize money. So thank you. Thank you for my money. Thank you for booing me,” said Littler with a red head after the 4-2 win in the round of 16 against Rob Cross. The spectators would have wanted him to be eliminated.
In fact, there were mostly chants for opponent Cross, as well as a few whistles against Littler, who responded with a few gestures during the game. Even at the end of his interview on stage, the 18-year-old was booed by the remaining fans.
The journalists present at the press conference wanted to know more about Littler’s statements. Whether the behavior of the fans drove Littler, whether he was surprised by it, why he was so spirited, what he learned from previous tournaments in Germany where the situation was similar. He was asked about it once, a second time, a third, fourth and fifth time. And actually one more time too.
Only questions about other topics are allowed
One of the reporters took the microphone and started a question about the fans when a PDC employee intervened. The topic is over, Littler has said enough about it. Only questions about other topics should be asked. Because no one had this, the press conference ended early. WELT would also have liked to ask about Littler’s view of the audience in Ally Pally, but was not allowed to do so.
What Littler had said so far about his outburst of anger towards the fans? “The fans do what they do. I responded to that,” Littler said. “They wanted the underdog to win. Or for the game to last longer than it should. That certainly pushed me, I definitely played better then. Let’s see what happens on New Year’s Day.”
Littler seemed much more relaxed than he did on stage, which is why there was actually no reason to stop asking questions about the fans. Littler had answered them seriously: “It was the first time at the World Cup that the crowd didn’t want me to win. I expect the worst on New Year’s Day, no matter who I play against,” he said. Then it’s the quarterfinals. Littler’s announcement for the game: “Whatever happens, I’m ready”
Darts World Cup 2026, results 3rd round
Justin Hood (ENG) – Ryan Meikle (ENG) 4:1
Ricky Evans (ENG) – Charlie Manby (ENG) 2:4
Nathan Aspinall (ENG/15) – NITY (NED) 3:4
3rd round and round of 16:
Josh Rock (NIR/11) – Callan Rydz (ENG) (3rd Round) 4:1
James Hurrell (ENG) – Ryan Searle (ENG/20) (round of 16) 0:4
Luke Littler (ENG) – Rob Cross (ENG) (round of 16) 4:2
Luca Wiecek is sports editor for WELT. He will be reporting from Alexandra Palace in London until New Year’s Eve.
