In a thrilling opening round at the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong, teenage darts sensation Luke Littler narrowly escaped an upset, defeating New Zealand’s Haupai Puha in a nail-biting 6-5 final-leg decider. The match, which showcased Littler’s resilience as the reigning world and World Matchplay champion, was overshadowed by a controversial moment in the eleventh leg that sparked heated debate among fans and commentators, branding the young star’s actions as “disrespectful.” Littler, known as “The Nuke,” was forced to address the incident post-match, shedding light on his mindset and the pressures of his meteoric rise in the sport.
The drama unfolded when Littler, with 291 points remaining in the penultimate leg, hit two treble 20s, setting the stage for what the crowd anticipated would be a maximum 180 score. However, in a surprising move, the 18-year-old deliberately aimed for a single one, leaving himself 170 points for a potential “Big Fish” checkout—a prestigious finish involving two treble 20s and a bullseye. The tactical decision, intended to set up a spectacular finish, backfired when Littler missed the crucial bullseye, allowing Puha to capitalize and level the match at 5-5. The world number 94, who had led twice during the intense 11-leg battle, pushed Littler to the brink, forcing the young star to dig deep in the deciding leg to secure the victory with a 13-darter against the throw.
The crowd’s reaction was mixed, with some appreciating Littler’s audacity, while others took to social media to voice their disapproval. One fan remarked, “Single 1 on 171 on purpose to leave 170 is just disrespectful towards your opponent in my opinion.” The criticism centered on the perception that Littler’s choice was not only risky but also unsportsmanlike, as it appeared to prioritize showmanship over respect for his opponent’s effort in a tightly contested match. The incident ignited a firestorm online, with fans debating whether Littler’s bold strategy crossed an ethical line in professional darts.
Reflecting on the moment, Littler appeared uncertain about his decision, admitting to reporters, “I don’t even know. I think just for myself. Obviously, at that point, I was 5-4 up. But I just felt I’d try and leave it and finish it. If not, I’d have to break the throw in the last leg.” His candid response highlighted the split-second decisions that define high-stakes darts, where confidence and strategy often collide. Littler also acknowledged his subpar performance, citing inadequate preparation and external factors such as jet lag and lack of sleep. “It wasn’t the best from myself, but that’s what happens in the first game,” he told interviewers. “I had to grind it out, I’ll be honest, not much practice has been put in, people don’t see behind the scenes, body clock, not sleeping, it has an effect.”
The match itself was a testament to Littler’s champion’s instinct. Despite averaging just 91.80—well below his usual standards—he managed to avoid what would have been his first opening-round defeat in a World Series event. Puha, ranked significantly lower, proved a formidable opponent, breaking Littler’s throw with a double eight to force the decider. However, Littler’s composure in the final leg showcased why he’s considered one of the sport’s brightest talents, even on an off day.
The Australian Darts Masters, part of the PDC’s World Series, featured a star-studded lineup, including world number one Luke Humphries, defending champion Gerwyn Price, and rising star Josh Rock. Littler’s victory sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash against Australian favorite Damon Heta, who dominated James Bailey 6-0 with an impressive 109.98 average and four ton-plus checkouts. Other notable results included Humphries overcoming a slow start to defeat Jonny Tata 6-3, Price beating Joe Comito 6-3, and top seed Stephen Bunting thrashing Brody Klinge 6-1. The tournament, held in Wollongong, continues to highlight the global appeal of darts, with elite PDC players facing off against Oceanic talent.
Littler’s journey in Australia comes on the heels of his historic World Matchplay victory in July, where he became the youngest player to complete darts’ Triple Crown, alongside the 2025 World Championship and 2024 Premier League titles. Despite his rapid ascent, the teenager remains grounded, acknowledging the challenges of constant travel and high expectations. His confidence is palpable, however, as he aims to go one better than last year’s runner-up finish to Price. “Once you are runner-up, you want to come back the next year and win it,” Littler said before the tournament. “Coming off the back of the Matchplay win, I am feeling very confident and up for the task.”
The “disrespectful” label has added a layer of scrutiny to Littler’s campaign, but it also underscores the intense passion darts elicits from its fans. As he prepares to face Heta, Littler’s ability to navigate controversy and perform under pressure will be critical. The incident, while divisive, highlights the fine line between showmanship and sportsmanship in a sport where every dart can spark a narrative. For now, Littler remains focused on letting his darts do the talking, aiming to silence critics and claim another title in his already illustrious career.
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