Luke Woodhouse has publicly appealed to darts enthusiasts to rally behind the young prodigy Luke Littler, urging the crowd to recognise and respect his extraordinary abilities. The 19‑year‑old world number one has recently endured a wave of boos and jeers at several high‑profile tournaments, a treatment Woodhouse believes is undeserved. During the opening round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester, Littler attempted to defend the title he won earlier in the season. However, his campaign was cut short when Woodhouse defeated him 2‑1 in a tightly contested first‑round match.
Woodhouse’s performance, while solid, was not at the level of his usual high standards; he averaged just 82.41 points per visit, and Littler managed to take a set before ultimately succumbing to Woodhouse’s comeback. The win secured Woodhouse a place in the last‑16, where he will meet Nathan Aspinall.
In the post‑match interview, Woodhouse took the opportunity to speak about Littler’s impact on the sport. "Luke isn’t a robot; he has off‑days just like anyone else," Woodhouse said. "People keep saying it, and I’ll say it again: he’s a one‑of‑a‑kind talent.
I hope fans will take a moment to truly appreciate how good he is and stop giving him a hard time. Really, sit behind him and support him.
You may never see another player like Luke Littler again." Woodhouse’s comments come after a series of incidents that have seen Littler targeted by sections of the audience. At the World Series of Darts Finals in the Netherlands earlier in September, he faced boos and whistles from the crowd during his opening match against Danny Noppert and again in his round‑of‑16 clash with Aspinall. The hostility escalated to the point where referee Charlie Corstorphine had to intervene to calm the spectators. The 19‑year‑old even threatened to boycott future events in the Netherlands, later withdrawing from two Players Championship tournaments held there.
He eventually fell in the quarter‑finals to Jonny Clayton. When asked why the reigning back‑to‑back PDC World Darts Champion was being treated so harshly, Woodhouse admitted he could not pinpoint a single reason. "I don’t know why some fans are giving him a hard time," he said. "He’s done for the game what legends like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson have done, and he’s taken it to the next level.
I just hope people give him the support he deserves and recognise his top‑class talent. Yes, he wasn’t at his best tonight and he lost last week, but he will go on to win many more titles." Woodhouse’s own victory was a dramatic turnaround.
After dropping the first set, he fought back to level the match and then surged ahead in the third set, taking the first two legs before Littler answered with a leg of his own. Woodhouse ultimately clinched the deciding leg, winning the final set 3‑1 and sealing the match with a 75 checkout.
He described the experience as a mix of emotions, acknowledging that he had moments where he could have lost the opening set but managed to stay composed. "I felt Littler wasn’t firing on all cylinders, so I thought, ‘Please don’t let him lose two sets when he’s off his game.’ It was a huge relief when I turned it around," Woodhouse explained. "Beating someone of Luke’s calibre on a main stage is something I’ll cherish." The win over the world number one was a significant milestone for Woodhouse, yet he remains focused on his broader ambitions.
"It’s fantastic to beat Luke, and he’ll go down as one of the greats, if he isn’t already," he said. "I understand the short‑format nature of this event – you have to start strong, hit your doubles quickly, and stay sharp.
Winning tournaments is my ultimate goal, and I’m still hungry for more titles." The tournament continues with the second round scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, followed by quarter‑finals on Friday, semi‑finals on Saturday, and the final on Sunday. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 6 p.m.
on Tuesday, with daily coverage through to the championship match. For those without a contract, the event is also available to stream on NOW. Woodhouse’s plea for compassion and support for Littler underscores a broader conversation about sportsmanship, fan behavior, and the pressures faced by young athletes stepping into the spotlight at a tender age.
By encouraging the audience to appreciate Littler’s skill and potential, Woodhouse hopes to foster a more respectful environment that allows emerging stars to thrive without undue hostility.