In an extraordinary and unprecedented accusation that has sent shockwaves through the world of professional darts, former World Champion Rob Cross has sensationally claimed that teenage prodigy Luke Littler is using illicit “AI microchip technology” to achieve his record-breaking nine-dart finishes.
The bombshell allegations were made by Cross in a tense post-match interview following his narrow defeat to the 19-year-old phenom at the weekend’s Players Championship finals. The 33-year-old Cross, visibly frustrated after Littler landed his third nine-darter of the year against him, refused to shake hands and instead levelled the staggering charge.
“It’s not right, and someone needs to say it,” Cross fumed, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief. “You watch the lad. He’s 19. He steps up, there’s no weight of pressure, no physical tell, nothing. He just… pings them in. Perfect. Every time. It’s not human. It’s not natural.”
When pressed by the interviewer, Cross leaned into the microphone and delivered the accusation that has since rocked the sport.
“I’m telling you now, look into it. He’s got something in those darts. It’s the only explanation. It’s a microchip, an AI chip. It feeds the trajectory data straight to his retina, or maybe it subtly vibrates to guide his release. You see that nine-darter he hit against me? The last dart? The treble bed was practically humming. The algorithm knew where it was going before he did.”
Cross went on to claim that Littler’s meteoric rise, which has seen him shatter numerous records for perfect legs, is statistically impossible without external assistance.
“Since when did kids average 110+ every other game? We’re not playing a video game here. We’re throwing bits of metal at a board. The only explanation is technology. He’s not just a generational talent; he’s a cyborg.”
The darting world has reacted with a mixture of utter bewilderment and ridicule. Social media has exploded with memes, with fans dubbing Littler “The Terminator” and “Luke ‘The Chip’ Littler.”
Professional darts players were quick to dismiss Cross’s claims. Reigning World Champion Michael Smith could barely contain his laughter when approached for comment.
“Rob’s lost his marbles, hasn’t he?” Smith chuckled. “AI chips in the darts? Next he’ll be saying the flights have little wings that flap. The kid is just outrageously good. He’s got a gift. Rob’s just bitter because he got a ton-80 smashed on him.”
Even Littler himself responded with the nonchalant cool that has become his trademark. In a brief statement on social media, accompanied by a picture of him holding his darts, he simply wrote: “System Update 3.0 installed. Beep boop. 🎯🤖 #NineDarter.”
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has been forced to issue a statement, attempting to quell the bizarre conspiracy theory.
“The PDC is aware of comments made by Rob Cross following his match with Luke Littler. We can confirm that all players’ equipment is subject to strict regulations. There are absolutely no provisions in the rules for, nor any evidence to suggest the existence of, ‘artificial intelligence’ or ‘microchip’ technology in darts. We consider this matter closed and will be speaking to Mr. Cross regarding his conduct.”
However, the PDC’s denial has only fueled the fire for some. A small but vocal group of conspiracy theorists are now calling for darts to be X-rayed before major finals, with some even suggesting that Littler’s famous bulging eye, which he often rolls back during his throw, is actually a scanner syncing with the chip.
As the sporting world looks on in disbelief, one thing is certain: the next time Luke Littler steps up to the oche aiming for a nine-darter, every eye in the house won’t just be on the board—they’ll be on his darts, looking for the tell-tale glow of a rogue LED.