Luke Littler, the reigning Darts world champion, has reversed his decision to boycott German tournaments and will participate in the upcoming German Darts Championship scheduled for October. The 18-year-old had previously vowed to skip events in Germany due to negative reactions from spectators, particularly after facing jeers during matches like the Munich Grand Prix semi-finals against Gian van Geen earlier this year.
Despite expressing his reluctance to compete in Germany again, Littler will make his return for the German Darts Championship in Heidenheim next month, where a substantial prize fund of £175,000 awaits the contenders. Joining prominent players such as Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Stephen Bunting, Littler will mark his comeback to the German darts scene, following his last appearance at the World Cup alongside Humphries.
Reflecting on previous encounters in Germany, Littler acknowledged facing adversities with the crowd’s reactions, including being booed during matches and feeling a sense of bias against English players. His partner, Humphries, also noted the challenging atmosphere and mentioned Littler’s discomfort amidst the hostilities from the audience.
Looking ahead, Humphries hinted at the possibility of partnering with Littler again for future competitions, emphasizing the prestige of the World Cup while acknowledging the need for a more supportive environment for Littler. Humphries highlighted Littler’s positive impact on the sport and advocated for appreciation rather than criticism towards the young talent.