Littler's Early Exit in Brighton: Was the Fallout from Van Veen Spat to Blame?

Luke Littler suffered a disappointing loss in Brighton, recording his lowest televised PDC average, and Wayne Mardle believes the world champion's early exit from the Premier League quarter-final was a direct result of his spat with Gian van Veen the previous week. The 19-year-old was booed by the crowd and struggled to regain his composure, eventually losing to Stephen Bunting. Mardle felt that Littler was not his usual self, looking 'flat' and lacking his usual directness. Bunting, who won the match, expressed sympathy for Littler, stating that he's a 'fantastic lad' and didn't deserve the hostile treatment from the crowd. Meanwhile, Jonny Clayton made a stunning comeback to beat Michael Van Gerwen, moving three points ahead of Littler in the table. The Premier League continues, with the next match taking place in Rotterdam, where Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen will host Luke Humphries, and Luke Littler will face Gerwyn Price in a crucial battle.