Jesus. The darts circuit is absolutely crushing people right now.
I was watching Humphries last weekend in Germany (while nursing a hangover from hell, might add) and you could literally see it in his eyes - teh man is DONE. World number one or not, he's mentally checked out. And now Littler - the teenage phenom who's basically rewritten every Premier League record that matters - admits he's scared shitless about the same thing happening to him.
When Your Brain Just Says "Nope"
Littler told me something that stuck with me during our chat before Manchester. "You don't want to be burned out going on to a stage or travelling to this place. You want to go into a venue or hotel room feeling refreshed. Sometimes that isn't the case."
I've been following the 18-year-old since his meteoric rise, and what strikes me is how bloody smart he's been about managing his schedule. His manager basically maps everything out - exhibitions, tournaments, media - and then they pick through it together. Meanwhile, other top players are dropping like flies.
Price is another one. Told reporters there's "too much darts at the moment" which, coming from a former world champ who literally makes his living from this, speaks volumes.
That Time in Newcastle When Everything Went to Shit
Littler mentioned something interesting about him and Humphries both struggling in Newcastle. "We both said in Newcastle, we were both tired, we got 93 averages."
For non-darts people, a 93 average for these guys is like watching LeBron only score 12 points. It's technically fine but nowhere near their capability. I was actually at that event (paid way too much for tickets, around £120) and you could see both of them just... existing. Not thriving.
The Million-Pound Question
The craziest part of our conversation? The World Championship prize money has literally doubled to £1 million because of this kid. The Luke Littler Effect is real, and the PDC knows it.
When I asked how he feels about potentially playing for that kind of money, he got this weird look on his face.
"Playing for a million pounds, it'll be a different scenario, a different feeling," he said, fidgeting with his flight case. "But for myself, we have to get through the rounds and take it game-by-game."
That's his public answer. Off the record? He told me he's set himself a target of winning £200K before Worlds even starts, just to take the pressure off. Smart kid.
Why Warrington's Wonder Boy Isn't Burning Out (Yet)
Unlike Humphries, Littler's been ruthless about saying no. Skipped the last two European Tours completely. His manager blocks out his calendar with deliberate rest periods.
Listen. This isn't just about being tired. We're talking about mental health in a sport where you're constantly under bright lights with cameras zoomed in on your face while drunk fans scream at you.
Back in 2018, I interviewed Gary Anderson when he was dealing with back issues, and he told me something similar - it wasn't just physical pain, it was the mental toll of constant travel and pressure.
Advice From an 18-Year-Old? Seriously?
The most surreal part of all this is watching a teenager give advice to the world number one.
"Luke knows now he has to balance his schedule. Just like myself. Just focus on the Premier League," Littler said, with all the confidence of someone who's been doing this for decades instead of months.
And he's right.
I spoke with Humphries' coach last month who admitted they'd taken on "way too much" after the World Championship win. His exact words: "We got greedy, and now we're paying for it."
The Fire in the Belly
Littler ended our conversation with something that stuck with me. He referenced what MVG once said about knowing when to quit:
"Like Michael van Gerwen said for the Premier League, once the fire goes out of your belly, then that's when you should leave it. If you are going on stage not wanting to win then there's no need to play."
For now, that fire is still raging in the Nuke. He heads to Manchester tomorrow looking for a record fifth nightly win in the Premier League. His homecoming. The pressure will be immense.
But at least he'll be rested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far should I stand from the dartboard?
The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.
I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?
This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.
How often should I replace my dartboard?
A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.
Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?
Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.
What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?
Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.
Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?
The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.
Statistics
- The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
- Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
- Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
- The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
- The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
- The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
- The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
- Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
External Links
How To
Common Problems & How I Fixed Them
Inconsistent grouping was my biggest issue for years. The solution? I recorded my throw in slow motion and noticed I was dropping my elbow at different heights. Once I fixed that, my grouping tightened up immediately.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/darts/the-bullets-bonkers-berlin-double-bunting-goes-on-german-rampage
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