Luke Woodhouse has publicly appealed to darts fans to rally behind the young prodigy Luke Littler and to recognise the exceptional skill he brings to the sport. The 19‑year‑old world number one has recently endured a wave of boos and jeers from sections of the audience at several high‑profile tournaments, prompting Woodhouse to speak out in his defence.
During the World Grand Prix in Leicester, Littler entered the competition as the defending champion, hoping to retain his title. However, his campaign was cut short when he faced Woodhouse in the opening round. The match concluded with a 2‑1 loss for Littler, and Woodhouse advanced to the last‑16 where he would meet Nathan Aspinall.
Throughout the encounter, Littler’s performance appeared below his usual standard, with an average score of 82.41, suggesting that the pressure from the crowd may have been a factor. After securing his victory, Woodhouse took the opportunity to praise Littler’s impact on darts. “Luke isn’t a robot; he’ll have days when his game isn’t perfect,” he said. “He is a one‑of‑a‑kind player, and I hope people take the time to truly appreciate his talent instead of giving him a hard time.
You may never see another Luke Littler again.” Woodhouse’s comments underscored his belief that Littler’s contributions are comparable to those of legends such as Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, and Gary Anderson, who each elevated the sport in their own eras. The hostility towards Littler is not a new phenomenon. Earlier in September, during the World Series of Darts Finals in the Netherlands, the young star faced boos and whistles from sections of the crowd.
He was heckled during his opening match against Danny Noppert and again in his round‑of‑16 clash with Aspinall, a situation that required referee Charlie Corstorphine to intervene and restore order. The negative reception even led Littler to consider boycotting future events in the Netherlands, and he subsequently withdrew from two Players Championship tournaments held there. Ultimately, his run at the Dutch event ended in the quarter‑finals where he was defeated by Jonny Clayton. When asked why the former back‑to‑back PDC World Darts Championship winner seemed to be the target of such criticism, Woodhouse admitted he could not pinpoint a single reason.
He emphasized, however, that Littler’s achievements have already placed him among the sport’s greats. “He’s done for the game what the legends have done and taken it to the next level,” Woodhouse asserted.
“I just hope people give him the support he deserves and recognise the extraordinary talent he possesses. Yes, he missed a few chances recently, but he will continue to win many more titles.” Woodhouse’s own match against Littler showcased his resilience.
After dropping the first set, he fought back to level the match and then surged ahead in the third set. He claimed the first two legs, allowed Littler to take one, and then secured the final leg to clinch the deciding set 3‑1, finishing with a 75 checkout. Reflecting on the win, Woodhouse described a “mix of emotions,” noting that he felt he had almost squandered the opening set and was frustrated with himself for not converting crucial opportunities.
He also recognised that Littler was not at his peak, which gave him a chance to capitalize. “It’s hard to sum up,” Woodhouse said. “I thought I threw away the first set, and when I didn’t, I was angry with myself.
I sensed Luke wasn’t firing on all cylinders, so I kept my focus and managed to turn the tide. Beating someone of his calibre on a main stage is a massive boost for me.” Woodhouse added that defeating the world number one was a significant milestone, yet he remains hungry for further success. “It’s fantastic,” he remarked. “Luke is already destined to be remembered as one of the greats, if not already.
I understand the short‑format nature of these matches—there’s little time to recover, and you must hit doubles quickly. Winning tournaments is my ultimate goal, and I’ll keep pushing for more titles.” The tournament’s schedule continues with the second round spread over Wednesday and Thursday, followed by quarter‑finals on Friday, semi‑finals on Saturday, and the final on Sunday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, with comprehensive coverage leading up to the championship match.
For those without a traditional subscription, streaming options are available through NOW without a contract, ensuring that supporters worldwide can watch the drama unfold. Woodhouse’s appeal serves as a reminder that even the most gifted athletes can face unwarranted negativity, and that the darts community thrives when it embraces its rising stars. By encouraging spectators to back Luke Littler, Woodhouse hopes to foster a more supportive environment that allows the young champion to continue pushing the boundaries of the sport and inspiring the next generation of players.