Luke Littler criticised on Sky for Stephen Bunting actions that Van Gerwen won't entertain | Other | Sport




Darts commentator Mark Webster was unimpressed by the friendly nature of Luke Littler’s World Darts Championship semi-final win over Stephen Bunting. Both players routinely shared handshakes and fist bumps during Littler’s 6-1 rout.

The 17-year-old has advanced into successive World Championship finals and will face Michael van Gerwen in the Alexandra Palace showdown tomorrow evening. But while Littler's performance was the highlight of the night, Sky Sports analyst Webster was frustrated to see so much hand-shaking between the two players.

Littler and Bunting shared a fist bump or a thumbs up each time they won a leg and at other key moments during the match.

As The Nuke went one leg up in the third set, commentator Dan Dawson remarked: “It’s a very friendly game of darts. There’s fist bumps and thumbs up and all sorts going on. But there is some brutality as well.”

Channelling his inner Roy Keane, Webster bluntly said: They’re fist-bumping a bit too much. It’s the semi-final of the World Championship! There’s a lot of respect up there. Maybe I’m just being a bit harsh.”

It is unlikely that finalist Van Gerwen will entertain the same handshakes with Littler. The Dutchman will not want to make the same mistake as Bunting, who allowed the youngster to become too comfortable. The final will not be as friendly as the second semi-final.

The respect between Littler and Nathan Aspinall was also notable during their quarter-final on Wednesday. The Premier League champion said afterwards: “Obviously each time we've won a set, we'll give each other a fist bump. Once Kirk says game on, that's when it's game on. Afterwards, we'll be fine.

“We’ve both played very well there. I’m so glad to win and the crowd were chanting for Nathan, they wanted the comeback. But I had to finish it.”

Littler was outstanding against Bunting, making the most of The Bullet’s frustrating errors. He reflected: “It’s been an amazing tournament so far … I haven’t been thinking about the title, just what was in front of me. Getting through each round, one game at a time.”

“I’ve won plenty of titles, but it’s all leading up to the big one … I can’t wait for tomorrow night. If we both turn up like we did tonight, it’s going to be good. We all know he’s hunting another world title. I’m hunting for my first.”



Source link

Posted: 2025-01-03 01:54:33

Give your old phone to Samsung and get Galaxy S24 for £304 plus a free laptop
 



... Read More

Man Utd: Marcus Rashford breaks social media silence as major exit update emerges | Football | Sport
 



... Read More

Australian Open LIVE: Sinner health scare as Djokovic complaint lodged | Tennis | Sport
 



... Read More

Nigel Farage explodes at 'cover-up' Keir Starmer over Southport murders | Politics | News
 



... Read More

Amber Glenn tops field of 5 Japanese women's skaters to lead in Grand Prix Final
 



... Read More

England rugby star who caused storm during autumn internationals announces retirement | Rugby | Sport
 



... Read More

‘You have to be prepared for the worst’: making a film on the fight for democracy in Cuba | Documentary films
 



... Read More

Beautiful European country named the best place in the world to live a | World | News
 



... Read More