“I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling” – Question marks surround Luke Littler after dental visit ahead of Flanders Darts Trophy

Luke Littler, the 18-year-old reigning PDC World Darts Champion, faced uncertainty at the Flanders Darts Trophy 2025 in Antwerp, Belgium, after undergoing emergency dental surgery on August 28, 2025, just hours before traveling for the European Tour event. Littler, who had a tooth extracted due to severe pain, expressed his apprehension on Instagram, stating, “I’ve never had this done and I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling but right now I am in shock and shaken as I didn’t know what to expect” (dartsnews.com,). Despite his concerns, Littler competed but suffered a 6-2 third-round defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode on August 30, 2025, raising questions about his physical and mental state. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, Littler’s performance, and how fans in the UK, USA, Australia, and Nigeria can follow darts, as of 9:57 AM WAT, Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Emergency Dental Surgery and Littler’s Uncertainty

Littler’s preparation for the Flanders Darts Trophy, the 10th European Tour event of 2025, was disrupted by intense tooth pain that led to an emergency extraction at Night and Day Emergency Dentist in Manchester on August 28. He shared his ordeal on Instagram, writing, “In pain for hours and hours, so had to get tooth out. Luckily they were able to do it and sort me out but hopefully it’s all good for Saturday. Everyone knows I love Belgium and hopefully I can play my best darts” (sportbible.com,). He added, “I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling in the morning… I’m in shock and shaken as I didn’t know what to expect,” warning fans not to misjudge his demeanor at the airport, saying, “If you see me in the airport, I’m just gonna have my AirPods in… so don’t be saying I’m arrogant because I’m not” (givemesport.com,).

The procedure left Littler, nicknamed ‘The Nuke,’ uncertain about his form, as it was his first tooth extraction, and he was “in shock” from the experience (independent.co.uk,). Despite the setback, he traveled to Belgium on August 29, supported by his girlfriend Faith Millar, to whom he expressed gratitude with a heartfelt “I love you” on social media (gbnews.com,).

Flanders Darts Trophy Performance

As the top seed, Littler received a first-round bye and faced Dylan Slevin in the second round on August 30, 2025, winning 6-4 despite visible discomfort (skysports.com,). However, his campaign ended abruptly in the third round against van Duijvenbode, who capitalized on Littler’s subpar performance to secure a 6-2 victory, repeating his 2024 upset over Littler in Antwerp (dartsnews.com,). Littler’s average was below his usual 100-plus mark, and he struggled with consistency, likely affected by lingering pain or medication effects (sportbible.com,).

Littler’s 2025 season has been stellar, with titles at the World Matchplay, Australian Darts Masters, and New Zealand Darts Masters, maintaining a 13-match unbeaten streak before Antwerp (X post: @livedarts,). His loss to van Duijvenbode, however, marked a rare setback, with fans on X noting, “Luke didn’t look himself out there. Hope he’s okay after the dental work” (@DartsFanatic,).

Context: A Challenging Lead-Up

Littler’s dental ordeal compounded a demanding schedule. After winning back-to-back World Series titles in Australia and New Zealand in August, he returned to Europe for the Flanders Darts Trophy, his first European Tour event since April (skysports.com,). The emergency procedure, described as leaving him “shaken,” tested his resilience, especially as he expressed a desire to perform well in Belgium, where he won the 2025 Belgian Darts Open (runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk,). The defeat echoed his 2024 Antwerp loss to van Duijvenbode (6-2), suggesting a pattern of struggles at this event (dartsnews.com,).

Other top players also faced challenges. Gerwyn Price, who competed despite a recent hand infection requiring hospitalization, advanced, while Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Gary Anderson withdrew, thinning the field (yardbarker.com,). Littler’s early exit thus opened opportunities for players like Michael van Gerwen and Stephen Bunting (skysports.com,).

How to Follow Darts and Littler’s Next Steps

Littler is expected to regroup for upcoming PDC events, likely the World Series of Darts Finals (September 12-14, 2025, in Amsterdam) or Players Championship events. Fans can track his progress:

• United Kingdom:
  • Live Streaming: PDCTV (pdctv.tv) or DAZN.
  • TV Broadcast: Sky Sports Darts (times vary, e.g., 7:00 PM BST for evening sessions).
  • Social Media: Follow @OfficialPDC, @DartsNow_, or @LukeTheNuke180 on X.
• United States:
  • Live Streaming: PDCTV or DAZN (check availability).
  • Social Media: Follow @OfficialPDC or @PDC_Darts on X.
• Australia:
  • Live Streaming: PDCTV or Fox Sports (times TBD, e.g., 3:00 AM AEST for European evening events).
  • VPN Option: Norton VPN for PDCTV access abroad.
• Nigeria (WAT):
  • Live Streaming: SuperSport via DStv Stream (limited darts coverage); check pdctv.tv.
  • Session Times: Evening sessions at 7:00 PM WAT (6:00 PM BST).
  • VPN Option: Norton VPN for PDCTV or DAZN via UK servers.

Looking Ahead

Littler’s early exit at the Flanders Darts Trophy, coupled with his candid admission of uncertainty post-dental surgery, raises questions about his recovery and form. However, his youth, talent, and support system—including girlfriend Faith and his management team—suggest a quick rebound. Fans on X remain optimistic, with @DartsNow_ tweeting, “Rough day for The Nuke, but he’ll be back stronger” (). For updates, visit dartsnews.com, skysports.com, or pdctv.tv, and follow @OfficialPDC or @LukeTheNuke180 on X. As Littler prepares for his next challenge, his ability to overcome this setback will be key to his 2025 dominance.