Nathan Aspinall makes sad admission about how other darts players treat Luke Littler on the professional circuit

Nathan Aspinall has made a sad admission about how other players on the professional darts circuit treat Luke Littler ahead of their quarter-final clash at the World Darts Championship.

Over the past year-or-so, Littler has well and truly changed the landscape of darts. Interest in the sport is higher than ever, with his emergence inspiring a new generation to pick up the arrows.

In fact, ahead of this year's World Darts Championship, sales of dartboards at the UK supermarket Asda have increased by up to 1900 per cent as youngsters look to follow in his footsteps.

Since making his Ally Pally debut in 2023, the 17-year-old has won £618,500 in prize money from major events over the past 12 months

And now, he will be hoping to secure his place in the semi-finals of this year's World Championship with victory over Stockport-born Nathan Aspinall, who recently opened up on his battle with dartitis.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday night's game, Aspinall gave an insight into his friendship with Littler, as well as how the teenager is viewed by others on the professional darts circuit.

"I see myself, not so much of a role model, but a bit of an older brother to him in the darts world," said Aspinall. "We don’t speak much outside of darts but when it comes to darts, I do try to help him. He’s a nice kid."

Aspinall went on to claim that many of his fellow dart players are envious of Littler's success.

"He hasn’t got many mates on the tour because a lot of people are jealous of him," he added. "I am not. I appreciate what he has done for the game. What he has done for himself and his family. I think he’s a fantastic darts player.

"How he has handled himself at 17 with the media... I don’t think many men, full-grown adults, could do what he has done. I tip my hat to the guy…but I’m still going to smash him on New Year’s Day."

Aspinall believes many of his fellow players are jealous of Littler. Image credit: Getty

Ahead of the World Darts Championship, current champion Luke Humphries opened up on his friendship with Littler, saying there was "nothing to dislike" about the teenager.

"He’s more recognised than me but that’s fine because I didn’t dream of being a famous person," he told The Guardian. ‘I dreamt of being world champion – and I achieved that dream.

"I’m an older guy, I’ve got a family at home. That’s my priority. At the moment, he’s young and free and living the celebrity lifestyle. Fair play to him.

"I can’t be jealous of it. I can only admire him as a 17-year-old. The last time we’ve seen anything like this would maybe have been with Boris Becker – when you show no fear and fight your best under pressure."

Humphries added: "I’d rather be friends. There’s nothing to dislike about him. He doesn’t say anything horrible, he’s quite placid and down-to-earth and that’s why you see a friendly atmosphere when we play. There’s no animosity as we’re privileged to be the two top players in darts.

"I’m winning and losing finals against him and each match between us is an event. So we’re not the best of friends but we get on well."