The world of professional darts was rocked on Friday as Irish pair Willie O’Connor and Dylan Slevin appeared before a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) disciplinary panel to deliver explosive testimony against teenage sensation Luke Littler, accusing him of cheating during a high-stakes exhibition match last month.
The allegations, which have sent shockwaves through the sport, center on Littler’s conduct during a lucrative exhibition event in Belfast. O’Connor and Slevin, both fixtures on the PDC ProTour, have come forward as primary witnesses, claiming to have witnessed the 19-year-old phenom manipulate the outcome of a leg in a manner that constitutes “blatant cheating.”
“He cheated! We saw him live and clear. There is no doubt in our minds,” O’Connor told reporters outside the hearing in Dublin, his voice laced with conviction. “We were standing side-stage, watching the match intently. What we saw wasn’t a mistake; it was a deliberate act to gain an advantage.”
The specific nature of the alleged infraction has not been officially released by the PDC, but sources close to the investigation suggest it involves the manipulation of a bounce-out or a disputed re-visit to the oche. The governing body launched a formal probe last week after an anonymous complaint was filed, prompting the testimonies from the Irish players.
Slevin, who alongside O’Connor is known for his no-nonsense approach to the game, corroborated his countryman’s account.
“It’s not something you want to see, especially from a player of his caliber who has done so much for the sport,” Slevin stated. “But the rules are there for everyone. If you break them, especially in such a pre-meditated way, you have to be held accountable. We felt it was our duty to come forward and tell the panel exactly what we saw.”
The accusations stand in stark contrast to Littler’s public persona. The “Nuke” has taken the darts world by storm over the past year, captivating audiences with his prodigious talent, humble demeanor, and remarkable run to the World Championship final. His rise from teenage hopeful to global superstar has been meteoric, making these allegations all the more staggering.
Littler, who was not present at the Dublin hearing, has yet to make a public statement regarding the specific accusations. However, his management team released a brief statement earlier this week, saying they are “cooperating fully with the PDC process and are confident of a positive resolution that will clear Luke’s name.”
The PDC is known for its strict code of conduct. If found guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute through cheating, Littler could face a significant fine, a suspension from Tour events, or even a ban from televised competitions. Such a penalty would be a catastrophic blow to a player currently ranked among the sport’s elite and headlining events worldwide.
The testimony from O’Connor and Slevin, two respected figures on the circuit, is seen by many as a pivotal moment in the investigation. Their firsthand account provides the panel with direct evidence, moving the case beyond hearsay.
“This is a very serious moment for darts,” said former professional and current pundit Alan Warriner-Little. “To have two players of that standing go on record against the sport’s biggest star… the panel will have to take it extremely seriously. It’s a mess, and it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.”
The PCD panel is expected to deliberate over the weekend, with a verdict and potential sanction potentially being announced early next week. As the darts world holds its breath, the legacy of Luke Littler—a player once seen as the sport’s savior—now hangs precariously in the balance.