Luke Littler Responds After ‘Losing His Head’ at End of Rob Cross Match

Luke Littler has spoken out after seemingly losing his head during his 4-2 win over Rob Cross at the PDC World Darts Championship.

Littler, 18, who won the 2024/25 world championship having reached the final the year prior, progressed to the quarter-finals of this year’s competition with a 4-2 win over 2018 winner Cross, 35, on Monday (December 29).

After a thoroughly entertaining encounter which brought the very best out of the teenager who averaged 106.58 – the third-highest of the 2025/26 tournament – Littler spoke out about the crowd that had goaded him with boos throughout his match.

The boisterous Alexandra Palace crowd made it clear that they were backing Cross, which appeared to frustrate Littler, who appeared agitated during his victory.

Then, shortly after the match, ‘The Nuke’ explained how he wasn’t “bothered” by the negative reception he received from the crowd before reminding them that purchasing tickets means they “pay” for his prize money.

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Littler is guaranteed at least £100,000 if he loses in the last eight, where he will face Luke Woodhouse, who is the 25th seed, or Polish player Krzysztof Ratajski, on New Year’s Day (January 1).

But he will no doubt be aiming to retain his crown and pocket the winning prize of £1 million.

And as expected, in his post-match press conference, Littler addressed the crowd’s behaviour while also admitting that he “lost it”.

"I think I lost it [my head],” Littler said.

“I think it's still on there [the stage]. One of those things. I've just got to leave it all in there. I can give the odd little ones for the checkouts and breaks of throw, but leave it until that winning dart.

“Two years ago, I think I would have started throwing my darts left hand to be honest. But that's how much I've grown, how much I've matured. People might not say I'm mature, but try and be in my position.

"That's the first time I've been at the World Championships and the crowd haven't wanted me to win. I expect the worst on New Year's Day, whoever I do play. Whatever happens, happens, and I'm ready for New Year's Day."

Littler will become just the fourth player to win successive PDC World Darts Championships if he retains his title, with Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson previously achieving the coveted feat.

Fellow tournament front-runners Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, and Gian van Veen are in fourth-round action on Tuesday (December 30).