Luke Littler channels Wayne Rooney after crowd jeers
Luke Littler drew parallels with Wayne Rooney’s infamous 2010 World Cup outburst after experiencing jeers from sections of the crowd ahead of his Winmau World Masters triumph against Mike De Decker, reports BritPanorama.
The World No 1, who supports Manchester United, referenced Rooney’s memorable comment about his own fans booing him following a group stage match against Algeria. As Littler took to the stage, he received a mixed reception, with some spectators opting to heckle him during his walk-on.
This experience appears to have influenced Littler significantly. He faced crowd hostility previously during his match against Rob Cross at Alexandra Palace, and it seems he has taken lessons from that encounter. After his victory over De Decker, he shared insights on how he processes the crowd’s reactions.
“In my head now, I think people want to see new winners. I think people are getting bored of me and Luke [Humphries] and Gian [van Veen] winning,” he remarked. Despite the jeers, Littler stated he would not let the hostility dictate his performance.
De Decker was on the verge of eliminating the World No 1 when he attempted a 142 checkout, having established a 2-1 lead in sets. Although he successfully hit both treble 20s, his double 11 attempt skimmedpast the wire, allowing Littler to regain momentum and ultimately secure a 3-2 victory in a deciding set.
“I mean, a little bit. I’ve had to fight back and that’s what I’ve done,” Littler acknowledged, reflecting on the pressure of the match. Curiously, he revealed that his recognition of the similarity to Rooney’s experience came shortly after his match against Cross, when he encountered the video on social media.
Littler is now set to face Ross Smith in the second round, who advanced after defeating Jimmy van Schie. The challenges he encounters as he progresses through the tournament will undoubtedly shape his journey, further illustrating how athletes navigate both performance and public perception.
As the competition unfolds, Littler’s experiences serve as a reminder of how even heroes can evoke mixed feelings from the crowd, navigating the fine line between adoration and disdain. The sport continues to reveal its intricacies, with every match a story waiting to be told.
