As the world’s top darts players prepare for an exhilarating showdown at the Australian Darts Masters and New Zealand Darts Masters, their journey to the Oceanic region is nothing short of spectacular. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) stars, including the sensational Luke Littler, have embarked on a lavish trip to “Down Under,” trading the intensity of the oche for the comforts of first-class travel. Accompanying Littler on this adventure is his girlfriend, Faith Millar, marking a notable moment in their blossoming relationship as they join the elite darting contingent for a thrilling series of tournaments.
The Australian Darts Masters, set to unfold on August 8-9 at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, kicks off the World Series of Darts’ return to the region. Following this, the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters will take place in Auckland on August 15-16. These events pit eight PDC superstars against eight Oceanic representatives, promising fierce competition and electrifying performances. Among the standout names are world number one Luke Humphries, defending champion Gerwyn Price, and local favorite Damon Heta, alongside Littler, Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey, Josh Rock, and Mike de Decker.
For these darting luminaries, the journey itself is a celebration of their success. Social media posts reveal the players indulging in the opulence of first-class travel, a fitting prelude to their high-stakes battles. Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy known as “The Nuke,” shared glimpses of his luxurious flight experience, reclining in a plush seat with a beaming smile. By his side was Faith Millar, his 19-year-old girlfriend, whose presence added a personal touch to the trip. The couple, who went public with their relationship in May, appeared radiant, with Littler’s joy evident as he embraced the comforts of first-class travel. “I’m really enjoying playing in the World Series, visiting new places and playing in front of new crowds!” Littler remarked, reflecting his excitement for both the competition and the journey.
Other players also showcased their travel in style. Chris Dobey, making his debut Down Under, was spotted lounging in a spacious airplane seat, engrossed in entertainment on a large personal screen. Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price, nicknamed “The Iceman,” sprawled comfortably in his seat, browsing movie options to pass the long flight. These moments of relaxation highlight the camaraderie and prestige among the darting elite, who balance intense competition with well-deserved luxury.
Littler’s trip to Australia with Faith marks a significant milestone in their relationship, which has garnered attention since they were first spotted together earlier this year. Faith, a beautician from Wigan, has become a familiar face at Littler’s matches, cheering him on during his meteoric rise. Their bond, which began in February, has grown stronger, with Faith joining Littler’s family on a recent Spanish holiday and now accompanying him on this international adventure. The couple’s chemistry was palpable as they shared moments of laughter and affection, turning the grueling transcontinental flight into a memorable experience.
The Australian Darts Masters will see Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion and youngest-ever Triple Crown winner, face stiff competition. Last year, Price dominated Littler in the final, winning 8-1, but Littler’s recent form—bolstered by a 107.24 three-dart average and 17 180s in his World Matchplay triumph—suggests he’s ready to challenge for the title. Humphries, fresh off a 6-1 victory over Joe Comito, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m very privileged to be here playing darts, and hopefully I can pick up the title this weekend.” Local hero Damon Heta, aiming to replicate his 2019 Brisbane Darts Masters success, added, “I’m absolutely stoked to get the win,” after a commanding performance against New Zealand’s John Hurring.
As the darting caravan moves from Wollongong to Auckland, the players carry not only their darts but also the weight of expectation. The World Series events are a showcase of global talent, blending PDC heavyweights with regional stars like Simon Whitlock and Haupai Puha. For Littler, the trip is both a professional quest and a personal journey, shared with Faith and celebrated in the lap of luxury. As the darts world descends on Oceania, fans eagerly await the spectacle, knowing that these players are not just competing for titles but also living a dream that blends sport, travel, and camaraderie in unparalleled style.
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