Darts world champion Luke Littler has decided to put an end to his boycott of German tournaments by confirming his participation in the upcoming German Darts Championship scheduled for October.
The 18-year-old previously expressed his reluctance to compete in events in Germany due to facing jeers from the audience during recent competitions, notably during a match against Gian van Geen at the Munich Grand Prix semi-finals in April.
Despite his initial reservations, Littler announced on social media his intention to return to Germany for the Dortmund tournament in October, following his experience at the Darts World Cup where he encountered further challenges with the audience.
Littler is set to make a comeback in Germany at the German Darts Championship in Heidenheim next month, where a substantial prize fund of £175,000 awaits the players. Among the competitors at the three-day event will be notable figures like Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Stephen Bunting.
Reflecting on his past experiences in Germany, Littler described facing hostility from the crowd, particularly during the World Cup where he and Humphries faced adversity against German players. Despite encountering booing and negative reactions in previous matches, Littler remains determined to compete.
On a previous occasion, Humphries acknowledged the challenges Littler faced, noting the adverse environment and expressing his support for his younger counterpart. The duo’s future collaboration at the World Cup remains uncertain, with Humphries emphasizing the importance of understanding Littler’s perspective and respecting his contributions to the sport.
The upcoming tournament marks a significant opportunity for Littler to showcase his talent and resilience in the face of adversity, as he aims to overcome past obstacles and thrive in the competitive darts arena.