Topics: Luke Littler, Darts, World Darts Championship
Luke Littler had the perfect response to being booed by fans in Leeds at night 14 of the Premier League Darts.
The reigning Premier League and world champion has been given a tough time by some spectators in recent weeks, mainly at events held in Germany.
Having been met with boos in Berlin and Munich, Littler pulled out of the recent European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen and after a small break, was back in action at the First Direct Arena on Thursday night.
Being a Manchester United fan from Warrington, Littler was predictably met by jeers during his opening round game against pal Nathan Aspinall - where he prevailed 6-4.
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After securing a checkout, 'The Nuke' hit back at those giving him grief by doing a crybaby gesture that former Paris Saint-Germain pair Neymar and Kylian Mbappe have used as goal celebrations.
Littler, who said he will "always give it back" to those booing him, has already confirmed his place in the play-offs at the O2 Arena after a stunning run of form in just his second appearance.
When he sealed his victory to set up a semi-final with Gerwyn Price later on in the evening, the 18-year-old sensation was all smiles as he sipped his drink.
Hometown hero Luke Humphries received a very different welcome when he walked out for his game against Michael van Gerwen to 'I Predict a Riot' while sporting a Leeds United-themed shirt.
Littler and Humphries are the two top ranked players in the world and are expected to represent England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt next month.
It will be a debut appearance for Littler and he is keen to team with Humphries, who won alongside Michael Smith in last year's edition.
“Yeah one hundred per cent I will do it," he told SPORTbible in an exclusive interview.
"Me and Luke are the top two English ranked players in the Order of Merit and we get the first choice of saying yes or no.
“Luke won it last year with Michael Smith and it’s a big thing winning the World Cup for your country.
"Phil Taylor and James Wade won it plenty of times back in the day and I’m sure Luke will want to go back to back and I want to get my first one.
“If we’re on our form on the day it’s going to take some beating.”
