Luke Littler's manager sums up what darts star is really like after 'arrogant' accusation
Luke Littler's manager has lifted the lid on his teenage client behind closed doors.
Luke Littler’s manager Martin Foulds has set the record straight on his client after darts’ newest sensation was described as arrogant by one of his rivals. The 17-year-old has been criticised in recent weeks despite his success on the professional tour, backing up an incredible World Championship run.
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Littler’s idol Raymond van Barneveld told him to “f*** off” last week after failing to reply to the Dutchman’s congratulatory text message, following his maiden Euro Tour victory in Belgium. It was a contentious tournament, and despite nailing a nine-darter in the final win over Rob Cross, Littler’s antics were questioned again.
He reached that final in Wieze by defeating German star Ricardo Pietreczko. However, the world No. 35 was furious at Littler for an unconventional checkout, accusing him of “arrogance” after getting in the teen’s face after their match.
Foulds has hit back at that label, insisting that Littler was only “entertaining” himself and the crowd as opposed to not taking his opponent seriously.
"It's just the way he is - he just enjoys playing darts, it's fun for him, he loves entertaining," Foulds told the BBC. "You've got three darts in your hand, it's up to you which way you go. There's no right or wrong way."
Foulds continued by explaining that Littler has “two different personas” and despite his bubbly on-stage personality, is a typical shy teenager. He can often be found playing FIFA or on his phone when getting a rare moment of downtime, as Littler’s manager gave a rare glimpse behind the curtain.
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"You've got the off-screen, off-stage one (persona) - he's quite shy and humble,” Foulds added. “Just wants to talk with his mates, play a game, spends a lot of time on his phone like most teenagers. But when he gets on the stage it's like something switches - he's in his element. He loves the arenas, the more fans the better. He seems to thrive with bigger crowds."
Littler proved at Alexandra Palace that he enjoys the big events, but is yet to win a Premier League night. Accusations have been levied against him for not putting as much effort into darts as he should, having opened up about practising for less than an hour each day, but Foulds illustrated just how in love with the sport his client is.
"The other day he had to come in, do some paperwork, some shirt signings - he's sat in my meeting room and he's got two phones on with two different streams of the Players Championship,” he explained. “He's not at the darts but he's still watching it - he just loves the game."
