Holy crap, what a collapse. I was sitting there with my mate Danny (Liverpool supporter, naturally) watching Littler absolutely cruise through the first four legs against MVG last night. Danny was already reaching for his wallet to pay me the £10 we'd bet when everything went spectacularly wrong for the teenage sensation.
The atmosphere at the M&S Bank Arena was electric. And by electric, I mean absolutely hostile toward Littler. The Man United fan walked into a cauldron of boos that would make even the most hardened footballer wince. You could practically taste the Merseyside hatred.
The Cockiness Before the Fall
Littler knew exactly what he was walking into. He'd even posted on X before the match: "One of the best nights on the Premier League calendar coming up tomorrow, bring on the boos Liverpool." The kid's got balls, I'll give him that.
And initially, it looked like he was about to silence every single Scouser in the building.
The 18-year-old phenom started with a 180 and quickly built what looked like an unassailable 4-0 lead. Danny was already moaning about how "that United brat" was going to make Premier League history with a record fifth night win. The crowd had gone from jeering to that uncomfortable silence that happens when your team is getting absolutely hammered.
Wait... What Just Happened?
Then came teh moment that changed everything.
Littler missed bullseye for a 5-0 lead that would've essentially sealed it. Just one dart, slightly off. That's all it took.
MVG grabbed that lifeline like a drowning man. The momentum shifted so dramatically you could almost hear it – like someone had flipped a giant switch in the arena. Suddenly, the Dutchman was back in it at 4-1.
The Slow-Motion Car Crash Nobody Could Stop
I've watched darts for 15 years and I swear I've never seen someone's scoring power just... evaporate like that. It was like watching someone forget how to ride a bike mid-journey.
Even when Littler hit that gorgeous 160 finish to go 6-3 up, something felt off. The usual swagger was gone. His shoulders looked tight. Danny nudged me and whispered, "He's bottling it." I told him to shut up.
He wasn't wrong though.
Those Two Match Darts...
God. Those two missed match darts will haunt the kid. You could see the disbelief on his face – that "is this really happening?" look that athletes get when they're in the middle of an epic choke.
Van Gerwen, meanwhile, sensed blood. The three-time world champ – who, let's remember, had been struggling with neck and back issues that forced him to withdraw just minutes before play on night nine – somehow found another gear.
The final leg was brutal. MVG completed the comeback 6-5, and the Liverpool crowd erupted like they'd just won the Premier League.
Danny was insufferable.
Not the Only Drama in Liverpool
Earlier in the night, Nathan Aspinall revealed he'd been playing through a dislocated shoulder. "It happened in the final of the ProTour last week," he explained after losing 6-3 to World No1 Luke Humphries. "I didn't know what I'd done until I got back home. It's still a little bit sore."
Playing elite darts with a dislocated shoulder? These guys are something else.
But the night belonged to Van Gerwen's incredible comeback... and Littler's equally incredible collapse.
I texted my brother (another United fan) right after: "Littler just did the most Man United thing ever." His response: "I'm already dead inside from the actual United, don't need this too."
Poor kid. He'll bounce back – he's too good not to. But that one's gonna sting for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 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.
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.
Statistics
- The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 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.
- In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
- A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
- The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
- The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
- The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
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!
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/darts/bunting-on-standby-for-england-after-littlers-german-noshow-hints
CricketBoxingFormula 1GolfHorse RacingPremier LeagueTennisDartsPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
