Luke Littler has admitted he is "still learning not to react to the fans" after orchestrating an astonishing comeback in Dublin, silencing the booing crowd during the latest round of Premier League darts action.
The teenage sensation, who previously confronted hecklers at the PDC World Championship in December, ultimately had the last laugh after recovering from a 5-0 deficit in the final to defeat Welshman Gerwyn Price 6-5.
After narrowly avoiding a whitewash, Littler celebrated sarcastically and, when trailing 5-1, waved goodbye to the crowd, only for Price to miss three crucial match darts, paving the way for the remarkable turnaround.
"I’ve definitely learnt a lot, especially with the fans," the 19-year-old told a press conference.
"In the first game against (Stephen) Bunting I didn’t give anything to the fans, I didn’t give any reaction and got the job done. It was the same in the final when I was 5-0 down, everyone doubted me, I definitely doubted myself but I had a little laugh and a joke. I was just having a bit of fun because I knew I was beaten."
Littler continued: "I’m still learning not to react to the fans. I didn’t do much then, only for the first leg, and then I can build on it. It is what it is, people want to see new winners but I’ve won again."
Price also squandered opportunities when leading 5-3 and 5-4, eventually being edged out in a last-leg decider. Earlier in the evening, Littler had also come from 5-3 down to defeat Dutchman Michael Van Gerwen in a thrilling semi-final.
Reflecting on his mindset when trailing 5-0 to Price, Littler confessed: "I’m out the game, I’m gone. Hit the first leg, give it a bit to the fans, I think they wanted a 6-0 and Gez definitely would have wanted a 6-0.
“Then Gez set up a tops, I hit a 180 and waved the fans ‘goodbye’ because in my head I’m done – when Gezzy is sat on tops, he doesn’t usually miss. From then, I just lost track and don’t remember much."
While Littler celebrated, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock endured a tough night, suffering a 6-0 defeat to Price and drawing significant jeers from the crowd.
Rock remains without a win after seven nights in the Premier League, despite hitting a nine-darter against Gian van Veen in Belfast three weeks prior.
Littler offered his support, adding: "It’s not going to plan with Josh but he definitely deserves to be here. Hopefully Josh can get a grip off the format and the Premier League very soon."
