Littler Faces Backlash in Brighton, Exits Premier League Quarter-Finals

World champion Luke Littler suffered a disappointing defeat to Stephen Bunting in the Premier League quarter-finals, with his lowest televised PDC average of 83.94. This lackluster performance came a week after his highly publicized spat with Gian van Veen in Manchester. Former Premier League star Wayne Mardle believes Littler's subpar showing was a direct result of the previous week's incident, stating it was a 'knock-on' effect. Littler was booed by the crowd in Brighton and struggled to regain his composure, eventually losing to Bunting. Meanwhile, Jonny Clayton made a stunning comeback to beat Michael Van Gerwen, moving three points ahead of Littler in the table.