Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and 2025 PDC World Champion, faced accusations of disrespectful behavior during his opening-round match at the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong on August 8, 2025, after a controversial decision in a tense 6-5 victory over New Zealand’s Haupai Puha. In the 11th leg, with 291 points remaining and a 5-4 lead, Littler, after hitting two treble 20s, deliberately threw a single one to set up a 170 “Big Fish” checkout instead of aiming for a 180, a move that sparked backlash, per Express.co.uk.
The crowd, expecting a maximum, was stunned when Littler missed the bullseye, allowing Puha to level the match and force a deciding leg, which Littler narrowly won. Social media erupted, with @Wim_NL180 on X calling the move “disrespectful towards your opponent,” arguing it belittled Puha, a tour card holder for whom the event held significant weight. @danstapleton89 added, “It’s a glorified exhibition, but this comp means a lot to Haupai,” while @DanJones3142 criticized Littler for not playing to his best ability.
Former world champion Rob Cross, who lost to Littler 7-5 in the quarterfinals, escalated the controversy, urging the PDC to consider disciplinary action, per sport-fury.com. Cross labeled Littler’s actions “disrespectful,” arguing they undermined the sport’s integrity, though specific details of their exchange remain undisclosed. Littler defended his choice post-match, telling Sky Sports, “I don’t even know [why I did it], I think it’s just for myself… Maybe I should’ve tried hitting the 180 because I knew Haupai had the darts in the last leg.”
The incident, occurring during a non-ranking World Series event, was seen by some as showmanship typical of Littler’s flair, given his nine-darter in the World Matchplay, per BBC Sport. However, critics argued it crossed a line, especially against a local player. Littler’s focus now shifts to the New Zealand Darts Masters, where he faces Jonny Clayton, aiming for his first World Series title after a 2024 Australian Darts Masters runner-up finish to Gerwyn Price. His Matchplay triumph, averaging 107.24, underscores his talent, but this controversy highlights the scrutiny he faces as darts’ brightest star.
