Luke Littler is facing an unexpected and worrying situation after withdrawing from his latest ProTour event, a move that could cost him a spot in one of the season’s biggest tournaments.
The 18-year-old rising star pulled out of Players Championship 28, continuing a trend of skipping some of the smaller tour events this year. While that decision might help him manage a busy schedule, it now puts his qualification for the Players Championship Finals in serious doubt. Entry into that event is based on the Players Championship Order of Merit, which counts only earnings from these floor tournaments.
By missing another event, Littler risks slipping out of the top 64 on that list, which would mean he won’t qualify for the Finals in Minehead — a tournament that features many of the world’s best and offers significant prize money and ranking points. Despite his impressive performances on the big stages, success in televised majors doesn’t count toward this particular Order of Merit, leaving him in a tight spot.
Littler has previously spoken about the need to manage his schedule carefully. The teenager has already endured a demanding year filled with televised tournaments, long travel days, and heavy expectations since bursting onto the scene with a run to the World Championship final. He’s made it clear that protecting his mental freshness and form is a priority, even if it means skipping some smaller events.
However, the consequences of that approach are now catching up. With several rivals playing consistently across all events, prize money is steadily pushing other names up the rankings. Every withdrawal is another missed opportunity for Littler to add to his total, and time is running out with only a handful of tournaments left before the cut-off.
This latest decision also follows a tricky spell in his season. Littler suffered an early exit at the Hungarian Darts Trophy and recently admitted he’s been working on adjustments to his throw and equipment to regain top form. He’s also spoken about trying to “get out of his own head” and focus on enjoying the game again — comments that hint at the pressure he’s been under since becoming one of the sport’s biggest attractions.
Fans are divided over his decision to skip events. Some believe it’s smart to prioritise rest and long-term performance at such a young age, while others worry it could backfire if he misses out on major competitions that define the year. Missing the Players Championship Finals would be a surprising outcome for a player of his stature and could dent his momentum heading into the closing stages of the season.
To secure his place, Littler may need to return for the remaining ProTour events and collect enough prize money to cement his spot. That will mean juggling preparation for bigger televised tournaments with the demands of the floor circuit — a balance that many top professionals struggle with.
As things stand, the decision to withdraw has created a tense scenario. Littler remains one of the brightest young talents in darts, but the fine margins of tour qualification mean every missed event matters. His next move will determine whether he keeps his place among the season’s elite or is forced to watch one of the year’s biggest tournaments from the sidelines.
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