Luke Littler criticises Players Championship registration policies
Luke Littler has expressed discontent with the Players Championship after he was barred from participating in an event for arriving just minutes after the registration deadline, a situation he contends reflects inconsistent treatment by tournament officials, reports BritPanorama.
The 18-year-old darts talent missed Players Championship 33 this week due to traffic delays on the M6 caused by a fatal accident. His tardiness was just a few minutes, but it was enough to prevent him from competing.
Although Littler later competed in Players Championship 34, he vented frustration over what he perceived as unfairness. In a since-deleted social media post, he stated: “Not the best day today, but played some decent stuff. But really glad to hear from a few of the other players that people have been let in almost half an hour late for a pro tour, but I can’t be two minutes late. Says a lot, one rule for one, one for another.”
The comments sparked discussions among fans and fellow darts players regarding whether registration rules are consistently upheld for all competitors. Under Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) regulations, all participants are required to register by a predetermined deadline before the start of each event.
Despite the setback, Littler’s consistent performances have secured him a place in the upcoming Players Championship Finals at Butlin’s Minehead later this month. Known for his quick ascent and composed demeanor, he also took a moment to acknowledge the tragedy that caused the motorway closure, writing, “Missed registration today for the pro tour, but somebody sadly lost their life, thinking of everyone.”
Littler, who holds one Players Championship title, faced a narrow 6-5 defeat against world No. 57 Matt Campbell earlier this week but remains a standout player among the emerging generation in darts. Currently, he ranks second in the world, just behind rival Luke Humphries, a position he has reached due to his remarkable talent and work ethic.
As the stakes rise ahead of the Players Championship Finals, it’s clear that Littler’s journey will be watched closely, not just for his skill but for the dynamic world of competitive darts he represents — where even a minor missed deadline can spark significant debate.
