Luke Littler prepares for match against NHS manager
Luke Littler is set to face NHS manager David Davies in an upcoming match, contingent on the 40-year-old securing time off from work, reports BritPanorama.
Davies, an area manager from Benbirgh in Northumberland, stated that his first step will be to arrange his leave for this event. He recently achieved a straight-sets victory over Mario Vandenbogaerde in his World Darts Championship debut, winning 3-0 while only dropping four legs throughout the match.
Players who advance to the second round are guaranteed a prize of £25,000, which Davies noted would be beneficial given his limited annual leave. As he prepares to meet Littler, the rising star of darts, he said, “I’ve got minimal annual leave left — but I’m sure if I take unpaid leave the £25,000 will come in handy!”
Having only attended the finals as a spectator before, Davies expressed a mix of excitement and determination ahead of their meeting. He described Littler as a “different breed” and acknowledged the challenges he faces competing against such talent, noting, “I’m going to be the underdog in every single game I play. I haven’t got a tour card, and people say this, that and the other, but I deserve to be here.” He added, “I’ve won my first game and now Luke’s next. I’ll try my best and see what happens.”
With a year marked by significant success, including victories in the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, UK Open, Grand Slam, and World Championship, Littler has established himself as a formidable competitor. Davies, who qualified through the UK & Ireland qualifying tournament, is now contemplating the possibility of pursuing darts full-time, dependent on the outcomes of the championship.
He elaborated on his dilemma, saying, “The money is obviously massive because I haven’t got any massive backing… I’ve got a full-time job… do I take the plunge and go full-time in darts?” His focus, however, remains on the championship for now, with decisions regarding his future to follow in January.
As the two competitors prepare for their respective roles in this high-stakes match, the contrast between Littler’s burgeoning status and Davies’s underdog narrative highlights the unpredictable nature of sport, reminding us that every game carries its own unique stakes and stories.
