Darts Icon Blasts Luke Littler's 'Strange' World Cup Comments – Is The Wonderkid Backing Out?

By Lewis Barnett 1 May, 2025 5 mins read 52 Views

I nearly spat out my coffee when I saw this one. Colin Lloyd – proper darts legend – just called out teenage phenom Luke Littler for what might be the most bizarre career move since... well, since I started covering darts back in 2018.

Lloyd didn't mince words. He's "disappointed and surprised" at the mere thought of Littler potentially skipping the World Cup of Darts. And honestly? Same, Colin. Same.

What The Hell Is Going On With Littler?

So here's teh tea. Reigning World champ Littler and World No.1 Luke Humphries are supposed to be England's dream team at Frankfurt's Eissporthalle in June. The dynamic duo. The perfect pairing. The kind of partnership darts fans have been drooling over since Littler burst onto the scene like a comet.

But then...

After getting knocked out in the German Grand Prix semis, 'The Nuke' dropped this cryptic bomb on social media that has everyone scratching their heads. Posting a pic from inside his car (classic moody teenager move), he wrote: "Shouldn't have been in Munich but had to play anyway. Next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that."

Um... what?

Lloyd's Not Having Any Of It

Lloyd – who's won two major titles and knows a thing or two about representing your country – seemed genuinely baffled when he spoke to talkSPORT.

"It was a strange comment," he said, in what might be the understatement of the year. "I can't see him not wearing an England shirt."

And then he dropped the hammer: "I'll be disappointed and surprised if he didn't, because those opportunities don't come along very often, the number one and number two player in the world (pairing up)."

Honestly, Lloyd's right. This would be like turning down an Olympic gold medal because you've got a dentist appointment.

Flashback to the Glory Days

I remember my dad going on and on about the Bristow-Lowe partnership back in the day. Lloyd clearly does too, comparing what Littler and Humphries could be to that iconic 80s duo.

"Them sort of days were like Eric Bristow and John Lowe, so you're going back to the 80s, and that was a formidable partnership," Lloyd reminisced. "They won umpteen World Cup events."

God. Can you imagine if Littler actually pulls out? The kid's 17 and already acting like he's too good for international duty. My editor would lose his mind – he's already bet me $20 that Littler will backtrack within the week.

Who's Waiting in the Wings?

If Littler does bail (still can't believe we're even discussing this), Stephen Bunting is next in line to partner with Humphries. "The Bullet" is currently ranked fourth in the world, with Rob Cross nipping at his heels as world number five.

The PDC will confirm the official pairings on May 13, giving us a whole month of speculation and drama before the tournament kicks off. Just what we needed...

The Defending Champs Situation

Let's not forget that England are the defending champions after Humphries and Michael Smith brought home the country's fifth title last year. So there's actual legacy at stake here.

Listen. I've covered darts for years now, and I've seen players make some questionable decisions. But this one? This one takes the cake.

Maybe Littler's just exhausted. The kid's schedule has been absolutely brutal since his meteoric rise. Or maybe there's something behind the scenes we don't know about yet.

Either way, as Lloyd said – and I couldn't agree more – "I can't see that Luke will not take the opportunity to partner up with Luke for the World Cup of Darts, I can't see it."

Then again, stranger things have happened in darts. Like that time in 2022 when... well, that's a story for another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight darts should beginners use?

For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

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.

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.

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.

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

Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.

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Final Thoughts From a Passionate Amateur

As I'm writing this in late 2023, I'm still working on improving my own game. My current challenge is mastering the triple 19 as an alternative to the triple 20 when one gets blocked by previous darts. It's like trying to teach an old dog new tricks—my muscle memory fights me every step of the way!