Luke Woodhouse has stepped forward to ask darts fans to rally behind the young phenom Luke Littler and to truly recognise the skill he brings to the game. The 19‑year‑old world champion has recently faced a wave of boos and jeers from sections of the audience, an experience Woodhouse says is both unfair and damaging to the sport.
Littler entered the World Grand Prix in Leicester with the aim of defending his title, but his campaign was cut short when Woodhouse defeated him 2‑1 in the opening round. The world number one appeared off‑form, posting an average of just 82.41, while Woodhouse recovered from a set down to secure a last‑16 clash with Nathan Aspinall. After the win, Woodhouse used his post‑match interview to champion Littler’s contributions, emphasizing how the youngster has helped raise the profile of darts.
“Luke isn’t a robot; he’ll have days when his game isn’t perfect,” Woodhouse explained. “People keep saying it, and I’ll say it again: he’s a one‑of‑a‑kind talent.
I hope everyone takes a moment to appreciate how good he is and stops giving him a hard time. Really, sit behind him and support him.” He added, “You might never see another player like Luke Littler again.” The hostility towards Littler is not new. Earlier in September, during the World Series of Darts Finals in the Netherlands, sections of the crowd booed him during his opening match against Danny Noppert and again in his round‑of‑16 encounter with Aspinall.
The situation escalated to the point where referee Charlie Corstorphine had to intervene to calm the audience. The 19‑year‑old even threatened to boycott future events in the Netherlands and subsequently withdrew from two Players Championship tournaments held there.
He eventually bowed out of the Dutch event in the quarter‑finals after a loss to Jonny Clayton. When asked why some fans seem intent on making life difficult for the back‑to‑back PDC World Darts Championship winner, Woodhouse admitted he could not pinpoint a single reason. “He’s done for the game what legends like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson have done, taking it to the next level,” Woodhouse said. “I just hope people give him the support he deserves and recognise what a top‑class talent he is.
Yes, he wasn’t at his best tonight and he lost last week, but he will win many more titles.” Woodhouse’s own performance on Monday night demonstrated his resilience. After dropping the first set, he leveled the match and then surged ahead in the third set, taking the first two legs. Littler fought back to claim the third leg, but Woodhouse closed out the deciding set 3‑1, finishing with a checkout of 75. Reflecting on the victory, Woodhouse described a “mix of emotions.” He confessed that missing chances in the opening set left him angry with himself, yet he was relieved when Littler failed to seize two consecutive sets.
“It’s amazing to beat someone of Luke’s calibre on a main stage,” he said. Woodhouse also noted that defeating the world number one is a significant milestone, but he remains hungry for more trophies. “It’s fantastic,” he remarked.
“Luke is already going down as one of the greats, if not already. I’m aware the format is short‑handed – you have to start strong, double in and out quickly – but winning tournaments is what I’m here for.” The tournament progresses 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 continuous coverage through to the championship match. Those without a contract can also stream via NOW for the latest Sky Sports deals.
Woodhouse’s plea highlights a broader conversation about respect in darts. While passionate crowds are part of the sport’s charm, the line between enthusiastic support and outright hostility can sometimes be crossed.
For a young champion like Littler, who has already achieved remarkable success, the need for encouragement is especially acute. Woodhouse hopes that by speaking out, he can shift the narrative and ensure that future generations of players receive the admiration they deserve rather than unwarranted criticism. In summary, Woodhouse’s message is clear: Luke Littler is a singular talent whose contributions have already left an indelible mark on darts. Whether he is on a perfect day or experiencing a dip in form, he deserves the backing of the fans.
As the World Grand Prix continues, all eyes will be on the emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike, each hoping to add their own chapter to the sport’s storied history.