Luke Littler theory emerges as teen draws criticism in Premier League clash

Darts fans were left scratching their head at after the teenage sensation appeared to struggle at times during Thursday night's action. Littler might've taken the win in Birmingham, but he didn't look his usual devastating self.

It was during the Nuke's opening match of the night that fans and pundits alike were scratching their heads as to what was going on with the defending Premier League champion. Unusually, it wasn't until the third leg of the game that Littler even got a sniff at a double, with Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke sharing his own theory live on air.

Speaking to co-commentator and former world champion John Part, Pyke said: "Are these barrels slightly different?" With Part replying: "They're [the darts] not landing consistently, not very good... He's not getting consistent dart out of hand action."

The commentary duo weren't the only ones to pick up on Littler's troubles, with darts fans on social media also throwing criticism the way of the reigning world champion. Commenting on X, @anonymous_darts said: "Littler's new darts barely hanging in the board."

@OrmisMainMan, also picking up on the performance of his darts, added: "I think Littler is using a set of fairground darts."

@BlakeDJA wrote: "Not a fan of these Darts Littler is using."

However, Part later theorised that it could be another issue causing Littler to suffer. He added: "It's concentration probably more than anything. Sometimes you have to address the board properly and make sure your mechanics correct."

Having trailed Bunting for the entire match, Littler managed to turn things around and remarkably edged his nose out in front towards the end of the contest. The 18-year-old eventually got over the line to secure safe passage into the semi-finals, but it wasn't before he missed a match dart in the deciding leg, presenting Bunting with an opportunity to have won it himself.

He got the better of Nathan Aspinall during the last-four clash, but it wasn't without yet more wobbles. The Stockport-born arrowsmith missed match-winning darts, with Littler taking the victory by virtue of another 6-5 thriller.

In the final against familiar foe Michael van Gerwen, their sixth meeting in this year's Premier League, Littler looked much more comfortable and took the nightly win to confirm his spot in the playoffs. Having started the night up against it, Littler ended it by becoming the first player since the 2022 revamp to win five weekly nights in a season.