Darts world champion Luke Littler has decided to put an end to his boycott of German tournaments by confirming his participation in the upcoming German Darts Championship scheduled for October.
The 18-year-old previously expressed his reluctance to compete in events in Germany due to facing hostility from the audience, especially after being taunted during a match against Gian van Geen at the Munich Grand Prix earlier this year.
Despite his past reservations, Littler announced on social media his intention to compete in Dortmund next month, marking his return to the country. This decision comes after his experience at the Darts World Cup, where he encountered similar challenges alongside rival Luke Humphries.
The German Darts Championship in Heidenheim, offering a substantial prize pool of £175,000, will witness Littler competing alongside top players like Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Stephen Bunting. This event will be his first appearance in Germany since the World Cup match where he and Humphries faced a defeat against German players.
Reflecting on his previous encounters with German fans, Littler acknowledged facing negative reactions and described a particular incident as a “head loss moment.” His partner, Humphries, noted the difficult atmosphere and expressed disappointment at the lack of support from English fans compared to the German audience.
Despite the challenges, Humphries hinted at a potential future partnership with Littler for the World Cup while emphasizing the need for understanding and appreciation for Littler’s contributions to the sport.
In conclusion, Littler’s decision to return to German tournaments demonstrates his resilience and determination to overcome past adversities, with hopes for a more positive reception from fans in the upcoming championship.