Littler missed D12 for a nine-dart finish in the opening set of his 3-1 win over Ryan Meikle
Luke Littler has expressed his regret for not delivering a massive windfall to a fan after narrowly missing out on a nine-darter against Ryan Meikle. Littler was on the cusp of a perfect leg in the first set but faltered at D12, which would have marked his fifth nine-darter of the year.
A nine-darter at Alexandra Palace this year means one lucky spectator could win £60,000 courtesy of sponsors Paddy Power – a feat already achieved by Kris when Christian Kist hit the mark during his game against Madars Razma.
Littler’s brush with perfection left him just one dart short of handing another fan a memorable Christmas gift, leaving the hopeful spectator without the prize. Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler commented on the situation, saying: “It’s definitely becoming a frustration in a good way,” and acknowledging the added pressure from the rule.
“Obviously, as soon as you make the switch to the treble 19, your eyes light up. I heard the camera pan around to the winner, so I’m sorry whoever you are! I’ll try again.”
Having already posted nine-dart finishes at the Bahrain Darts Masters, Players Championship, Belgian Darts Open, and in the Premier League final, Littler still has the chance to be the first player in PDC history to record five perfect legs in a calendar year. His latest attempt follows previous unsuccessful efforts against Lourence Ilagan and Jermaine Wattimena at the Grand Slam of Darts, reports the Express.
Littler also revealed that he had been contemplating alternative strategies for finishing a leg after starting with six perfect darts, although he admitted that it didn’t influence his approach against Meikle.
“I didn’t even think about the 51,” he explained, referencing his strategic choices during play. “Throughout the game, the cover shots were OK. I left 265 a few times and hit the T19 well, but I might have to take a moment to think about the T17.”
Littler was visibly moved at the conclusion of the match, cutting short his on-stage interview after becoming tearful. He confessed that this had been the most challenging match he’s ever faced, citing early nerves as a significant factor. “It was probably the toughest game I’ve ever played,” he admitted.
“I had to fight until the end. As soon as the question came on stage and then boom, the tears came. It was just a bit too much to speak on stage.
“It is the worst game I have played. I have never felt anything like that tonight. Coming into it I was fine, but as soon as [referee] George Noble said: ‘Game on’… I couldn’t throw them.”