In a nail-biting opening match at the 2025 Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, narrowly escaped an upset against world No. 94 Haupai Puha, clinching a 6-5 victory in a final-leg decider. The match, however, was overshadowed by a controversial tactic that ignited heated discussions among fans and players alike. Littler’s deliberate decision to target a single one instead of a maximum 180, aiming to set up a show-stopping 170 ‘Big Fish’ checkout, drew sharp criticism for being disrespectful to his opponent. The move backfired when he missed the crucial bullseye, allowing Puha to force a deciding leg, but Littler’s resilience secured the win, advancing him to face Damon Heta in the quarter-finals. His candid post-match comments, “I don’t even know why,” added fuel to the debate, highlighting the polarizing nature of his audacious strategy.
Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke,” arrived in Australia fresh off his World Matchplay triumph, where he completed darts’ prestigious Triple Crown—World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—before his 19th birthday. His match against Puha, a New Zealand tour card holder, was expected to be a routine win for the world No. 2, who has amassed over £1.5 million in prize money since his breakout at the 2024 PDC World Championship. However, Puha, buoyed by the local crowd, pushed Littler to the brink, leading twice in the 11-leg contest. The pivotal moment came in the eleventh leg, with Littler at 171. Instead of chasing a 180 to leave a straightforward finish, he opted for a single one to set up the 170 checkout, a high-risk flourish that requires treble 20, treble 20, and bullseye. “I think it’s just for myself,” Littler admitted, reflecting on the choice. “Maybe I should’ve tried hitting the 180 because I knew Haupai had the darts in the last leg.”
Social media erupted with criticism, with fans branding the tactic as unsportsmanlike. One user on X remarked, “Single 1 on 171 on purpose to leave 170 is just disrespectful towards your opponent,” emphasizing the stakes for Puha, for whom the tournament held significant regional pride. Another fan questioned, “How are people defending this? He’s playing professional darts and it’s obviously not playing to the best of your ability.” The backlash highlighted the fine line between showmanship and respect in darts, a sport where crowd-pleasing theatrics often coexist with intense competition. Littler, unfazed, acknowledged his lackluster preparation, citing jet lag and minimal practice. “It wasn’t the best from myself, but that’s what happens in the first game,” he told reporters. “Not much practice has been put in, people don’t see behind the scenes, body clock, not sleeping, it has an effect.”
The controversy isn’t new for Littler, who has a history of chasing the ‘Big Fish’ for dramatic effect, a signature move that has both thrilled and divided fans. His nine-darter against Josh Rock at the World Matchplay, where he took out 141 with treble 20, treble 17, and double 15, was hailed as one of the greatest legs in darts history, showcasing his flair for the spectacular. Yet, against Puha, the tactic nearly cost him, as the New Zealander capitalized on the missed bullseye to level the score at 5-5. Littler’s ability to regroup and win the decider underscored his mental toughness, a trait that has defined his rapid rise. “I had to grind it out,” he said, admitting the match was a wake-up call after a relaxed post-Matchplay break.
Littler’s Australian adventure, accompanied by his girlfriend Faith Millar, has been as much about exploring Sydney’s landmarks as competing. However, his comments about potentially skipping the 2026 Australian Darts Masters due to the grueling travel schedule—echoing Michael van Gerwen’s absence in recent years—hint at the toll of his relentless calendar. “I think as of now I’ll do two years, miss a year,” he said, eyeing a return in 2027 if he secures the trophy. With a quarter-final against home favorite Heta looming, Littler’s controversial tactic may fuel his opponents’ fire, but his unmatched talent and showman’s instinct continue to make him a polarizing yet magnetic figure in darts. As he navigates fame and scrutiny, Littler’s journey remains a captivating blend of brilliance and bravado.
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