Luke Littler suffered an early exit at the World Matchplay in Blackpool after being undone by Michael van Gerwen with James Wade offering a honest assessment of the teenager
James Wade believes Luke Littler will “either dominate for only two years or over 10” after his early exit at the World Matchplay this week.
The teenage sensation came up against Michael van Gerwen in the opening round in Blackpool this week, losing 10-6 to the Dutchman. It was something of a reality check for Littler, who has won a ranking event every month in 2024 but was well below par.
He even took to social media in the immediate aftermath of the content and simply wrote the word “embarrassing” before deleting it shortly after. Littler hasn’t even been a main figure in the darts world for a year but his talent has allowed him to enjoy a rapid rise.
The 17-year-old has already claimed notable honours but Wade insists he will endure a drop off and its about whether he wants to dominate for a decade and more – or simply be on top of the sport for a short period.
Wade told Sportsboom.com : “I heard Glenn Durrant say he’ll [Luke Littler] either dominate for only two years or over 10. I’m not sure which one it’ll be, but I do actually agree with that.
“Let’s be honest, Luke’s probably earned more money than most dart players, if not all dart players, in a year of his existence. So, he doesn’t need to play darts now.
“He’s influential and financially viable and a great pull. But I’m interested in seeing what he’s doing. He will have a downturn and that’s a hundred percent it’ll happen. He [Luke Littler] will struggle, and he will find things hard and then we’ll see what he’s really about.”
Wade himself claimed victory on Tuesday night, seeing off Nathan Aspinall in the Round of 16 to ensure safe passage through. The World Matchplay is part of the sport’s triple crown – something that will now elude Littler for at least another year.
The Warrington-born star has grabbed a huge amount of attention since roaring onto the scene at the World Championship back in December. He’s captured a new audience and has reaped the rewards as a result of that but, after his frustrating loss, Wade hopes his fans back him.
“I hope everyone gets behind him a little bit and doesn’t slate him. When that does happen, and it will happen,” he said.
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