Luke Littler, the rising star in the world of darts, has recently been hit with a setback that prevents him from defending his four PDC Development Tour titles. Despite his impressive performances and multiple victories in prestigious events, including the Premier League Darts and the Grand Slam of Darts, Littler’s success has led to his disqualification from competing in the PDC Development Tour. This restriction is due to PDC regulations that forbid players ranked in the top 32 from participating in the Development Tour.
Following his remarkable ascent to 31st place after the World Darts Championship final over a year ago, Littler’s success has propelled him to second place in the PDC rankings, just behind Luke Humphries. With total prize money exceeding £1.1 million, Littler has firmly established himself as a formidable force in the world of darts. While his achievements have opened doors to high-profile events like the Premier League, they have unfortunately closed the door on his participation in the Development Tour where he previously excelled.
In 2023, Littler, also known as ‘The Nuke,’ clinched victory in four PDC Development Tour events. However, due to his rapid rise in the rankings in 2024, he was unable to defend these titles, as he was busy competing against top players in the sport. Despite this, Littler’s prowess was on full display at the recent World Masters, where he showcased his exceptional skills by defeating notable players like Andy Baetens and James Wade with impressive averages.
In the quarter-finals of the World Masters, Littler faced Jonny Clayton and delivered a standout performance with a remarkable average of 108.50. Although he showcased his talent, Littler was unable to secure a win, with Clayton emerging victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. Clayton expressed his satisfaction at overcoming Littler in the match, acknowledging the young player’s potential and bright future in the sport.
Littler’s journey in the world of darts continues to captivate fans and observers alike, with his meteoric rise and exceptional talent garnering attention and admiration. While he may be temporarily ineligible to defend his Development Tour titles, Littler’s achievements on the grand stage of darts tournaments have solidified his place among the elite players in the sport. As he navigates his way through the competitive darts landscape, Littler remains a name to watch and a talent to be reckoned with in the world of professional darts.