Luke Littler has expressed his regret for missing out on a nine-darter against Ryan Meikle, a finish that would have secured a fan an impressive £60,000 World Darts Championship prize sponsored by Paddy Power. The prodigy was tantalisingly close to the perfect leg in the opening set but faltered on double 12 – a shot that would’ve been his fifth nine-darter this year.
During this year’s competition at Alexandra Palace, each nine-darter is tied to a staggering payout for a fortunate audience member. One fan, Kris, had previously landed the generous sum when Christian Kist completed the prestigious feat versus Madars Razma.
Reflecting on his nearly historic throw, Littler stated to Sky Sports: “It’s definitely becoming a frustration in a good way,” acknowledging the potential added pressure from the grand prize rule. “Obviously, as soon as you make the switch to the treble 19, your eyes light up. I heard the camera pan around to the winner, so I’m sorry whoever you are! I’ll try again.”
Throughout the year, Littler has impressed with nine-dart finishes at the Bahrain Darts Masters, Players Championship, Belgian Darts Open, and in the Premier League final. Despite this most recent miss, which follows attempts against Lourence Ilagan and Jermaine Wattimena at the Grand Slam of Darts, he still has a chance to set a PDC record of five perfect legs within a single year.
Previously indicating he might consider alternative strategies after hitting six perfect darts to start a leg, Littler disclosed that he didn’t let this affect his approach in the match against Meikle, reports the Express.
“I didn’t even think about the 51,” Littler explained. “Throughout the game, the cover shots were OK. I left 265 a few times and hit the T19 well, but I might have to take a moment to think about the T17.”
The young dart sensation was visibly moved as he ended his on-stage interview prematurely, unable to hold back tears. Reflecting on the emotional experience later on, he confessed it had been his most challenging match to date, with early onset nerves impacting his performance. “It was probably the toughest game I’ve ever played,” he admitted.
“I had to fight until the end. As soon as the question came on stage and then boom, the tears came. It was just a bit too much to speak on stage.”
“It is the worst game I have played. I have never felt anything like that tonight. Coming into it I was fine, but as soon as [referee] George Noble said: ‘Game on’… I couldn’t throw them.”