Damn. So close yet so far for the teenage sensation. Luke Littler's quest to make Premier League Darts history came crashing down in Rotterdam last night when Stephen Bunting - who's been looking like a completely different player these past few weeks - edged him out in an absolute nail-biter.
I watched the whole match with my brother-in-law (who still thinks Littler is overhyped, the idiot) and even he had to admit the kid showed serious guts. Down 5-2 at one point! Most players would've mentally packed their bags and started thinking about next week.
The Comeback That Almost Was
Littler, all of 18 years old and carrying the weight of expectations that would crush most adults, somehow clawed his way back from what looked like certain defeat. The crowd in Rotterdam was going absolutely mental as he forced a deciding leg. You could practically feel the tension through the TV screen.
Not enough in the end though.
Bunting, who I've been following since his BDO days back in 2014 when he dropped about $15K on equipment changes, held his nerve when it mattered most. The Bullet has been on a tear lately - reminds me of when he made that run at Ally Pally and my mate Dave lost €50 betting against him. Never seen someone so angry at a man throwing pointy objects at a circular board.
What's Going On With The Bullet?
Let's talk about Bunting for a sec. Whatever he's changed in his game recently is working wonders. His throw looks smoother, more confident. I spotted him at a tournament in February looking frustrated and tinkering with his stance. Fast forward to April, and he's taking down teh wonderkid who's been demolishing everyone.
Someone told me he's been working with a new mental coach. If that's true... I need their number for my golf game!
Rotterdam Brought The Noise
The Dutch crowd deserves a mention here. Those orange-clad lunatics create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the circuit. I was there in 2018 when MVG hit that nine-darter and thought the roof might come off. Last night had that same electric feeling.
Listen. If you've never experienced darts in the Netherlands, put it on your bucket list. It's like a football match, a rave, and a fancy dress party all rolled into one bizarre experience.
Where does Littler go from here?
The record will have to wait. Five nightly wins would've put Littler in a category all his own, but sports has a way of humbling even the most talented performers. I remember chatting with Wayne Mardle about Littler back in January, and his exact words were: "He'll hit a wall at some point. They all do."
Wall, meet Luke.
But if there's one thing we've learned about this kid, it's that setbacks just seem to make him more dangerous. My prediction? He'll come out firing next week. Poor whoever has to face him in the first round.
The Premier League roadshow continues its European tour next week. I've got tickets for the London night in May - cost me an arm and a leg (£120!) but after watching matches like this, worth every penny.
The story continues...
This is just the latest chapter in what's becoming one of the most fascinating seasons in Premier League history. With Littler, Bunting, and the usual suspects all capable of brilliance on any given night, we're in for a wild ride through to the playoffs.
More updates to come as this story develops further...
Frequently Asked Questions
My darts keep bouncing out of the board. What am I doing wrong?
Bounce-outs are incredibly frustrating, but they're usually caused by one of a few common issues. First, check your dartboard—if it's old and dried out, even the best throws will struggle to stick. Quality sisal boards should last years, but cheaper paper-wound boards harden quickly. If you can press your thumbnail into the board and it doesn't leave a small indent, it's too hard.
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.
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.
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.
What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?
Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.
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.
Statistics
- The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
- A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
- A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
- The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
- The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
- Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
- Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
- Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
External Links
How To
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!
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