Luke Woodhouse has stepped forward to defend the reputation of fellow darts prodigy Luke Littler, urging fans to recognise and back the 19‑year‑old’s extraordinary abilities after the youngster endured a chorus of boos at recent tournaments. The call to action came in the wake of a first‑round loss for Littler at the World Grand Prix in Leicester, where Woodhouse, the seasoned competitor, edged him out 2‑1.
Despite his world‑number‑one ranking, Littler appeared off‑form during the match, posting an average of just 82.41, while Woodhouse rallied from a set down to secure a place in the last‑16 against Nathan Aspinall. In reflecting on his own victory, Woodhouse emphasized the need for the darts community to rally behind Littler, praising the young player for the way he has elevated the sport.
“Luke isn’t a robot; he’ll have days when he’s not firing on all cylinders,” Woodhouse said. “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.
You might never see another Luke Littler again.” Littler’s recent experiences have not been limited to on‑stage setbacks. Earlier in September, during the World Series of Darts Finals in the Netherlands, he was met with boos and whistles from sections of the audience. The hostility began in his opening match against Danny Noppert and continued into his round‑of‑16 clash with Aspinall, where referee Charlie Corstorphine had to intervene to calm the crowd. The 19‑year‑old even threatened to boycott Dutch events and subsequently withdrew from two Players Championship tournaments held in the country.
His run in that tournament ultimately ended in the quarter‑finals, where he fell to Jonny Clayton. When asked why some fans seem to target the back‑to‑back PDC World Darts Championship winner, Woodhouse admitted he had no clear answer. “I don’t know why they’re giving him a hard time,” he said, before adding, “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 the top‑tier talent he possesses.
Yes, he wasn’t on his best tonight and he lost last week, but he’s going to win many more titles.” Woodhouse’s own performance on Monday night demonstrated resilience. After dropping the first set, he fought back to level the match and then launched into a dominant third set. He claimed the opening two legs, saw Littler respond with a third leg, and then sealed the decisive leg to win the final set 3‑1, finishing with a 75 checkout.
“It’s hard to sum up – a mix of emotions,” Woodhouse confessed. “I thought I threw away the first set, well not exactly threw away, but I had chances to push it to a deciding leg and when I didn’t, I was angry with myself. I felt Luke wasn’t firing on all gears, so I thought, ‘Please don’t let him lose two sets when he’s off his game.’ In the end, it was a huge relief and I’m over the moon to beat someone like Luke on a main stage.” Securing a win over the world No. 1 was a milestone for Woodhouse, yet he stressed that his ambition remains focused on capturing titles.
“It’s fantastic,” he said. “Luke is going to go down as one of the greats, if not already.
I’m not naive about the short format – you have to start strong, double in, double out quickly – but winning tournaments is what I’m here for.” The tournament’s second round will continue on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by quarter‑finals on Friday, semi‑finals on Saturday, and the final on Sunday. Fans can follow day two of the World Grand Prix 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, streaming options are available on NOW, offering flexible access to the high‑stakes darts action.
Woodhouse’s plea highlights a broader issue within the sport: the balance between celebrating emerging talent and the sometimes harsh scrutiny young stars face. Littler’s rapid ascent, marked by a world championship double and a string of impressive performances, has inevitably drawn both admiration and criticism. As he continues to develop, the hope expressed by Woodhouse—that the darts community will choose encouragement over criticism—could shape how the next generation of players experiences the sport’s spotlight.
By fostering a supportive environment, fans and fellow professionals alike can ensure that prodigies like Littler are allowed to thrive, pushing the boundaries of darts and inspiring future competitors.