Following intense criticism from veteran darts player James Wade, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler has emerged as the latest voice within the darts community, responding candidly about the accusations of laziness leveled at him and fellow competitor Luke Humphries.
During the recent World Masters tournament held at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, Littler displayed extraordinary skill, dominating his match against Wade with a resounding 4-0 victory. Notably, the reigning world champion didn’t allow Wade even one opportunity at the double, securing his win swiftly and efficiently.
Before their match, Wade had stirred controversy with pointed remarks aimed at Littler and Humphries, implying they were ‘lazy’ behind closed doors. “I don’t believe anyone is amazing apart from probably Luke and Luke,” Wade remarked, before adding, “and after them, they can be quite lazy. They’re not Phil Taylors; they’re not Michael van Gerwens at their best, but they're phenomenal players. There are gaps in the market, and it is what it is.”
Wade’s comments elicited immediate responses, particularly from Humphries, who staunchly defended both his and Littler's work ethic. “There’s no player on Tour who works harder than me,” Humphries stated, emphasizing his dedication to practice and improvement. He elaborated, “I was the only player here practicing because I want to be competing at the highest level.”
After his decisive match against Wade, Littler didn’t shy away from the criticism and seemed to agree with Wade's assessment of his practice habits. “I didn’t see it [the claim], but he’s right, I am lazy in the practice room as well,” Littler openly admitted. He continued, “I don’t have to practice for hours and hours. You know yourself when you’ve practiced for long enough, you’re warmed up and ready to go.”
Despite acknowledging the laziness, Littler’s performance on the oche speaks volumes. Averaging 105.47, he demonstrated his exceptional ability and skill during the match against Wade, who was left grappling with the reality of his defeat. Littler highlighted, “I knew he didn’t hit a double, but it was surprising for him to not get even one shot at it. I averaged more than 15 over him, and it shows how well I played.”
Reflecting on the clash, Littler appeared confident yet humble as he discussed his upcoming match against Jonny Clayton. “He’s been playing well, but I’ve been playing really well myself,” Littler said, projecting his focus and commitment to the game.
Meanwhile, Wade contemplated his own performance against Littler and the larger narrative within the darts community. After suffering such a defeat, he remarked, “I still think it’s laughable when people don’t think I can win things... I still believe I will win TV majors.” His frustration appears palpable as he navigated the shifting tides of competitive darts.
Humphries continued to build on this narrative as he readied for his own quarter-final match against Damon Heta, expressing no tolerance for Wade's comments. He firmly rejected the portrayal of ‘laziness’ and framed his ambitions for the sport: “I’m working incredibly hard, and if it doesn’t work out for me, then so be it. But I’m determined to keep improving and challenge everyone.”
With talk of laziness now sparking discussion across darts forums and social media platforms, the dynamics between younger and seasoned players appear to be shifting. The spotlight is increasingly on how players like Littler and Humphries balance their innate talents and perceived work ethic with the rigorous demands of the sport.
Wade's remarks, which initially seemed to draw lines within the community, have inadvertently opened avenues for dialogue on professionalism, performance, and self-perception among today's darts players. Players have begun reflecting on their individual approaches to practice and fitness, with many now adamant about working harder than ever to stay relevant as competition grows more fierce.
Littler's response to Wade's unfortunate slander, combined with his incredible and fearsome display at the World Masters, positions him not just as another young talent but as the future of darts, illustrating the blend of effort and talent. With the next match against Clayton looming, it remains to be seen how this young star will continue to develop within the increasingly competitive environment of professional darts.
Wade's reflections on the laziness accusations have been proven somewhat futile, especially after Littler managed to completely dismantle him during their match. Now, as the World Masters progresses, all eyes will be on both Littler and Humphries to see if they can continue redefining success and work ethic on the oche.