Luke Littler may be rewriting darts history at a pace never seen before, but even the sport’s brightest young superstar admits there is one thing about the modern game he “absolutely hates” — and it’s now fuelling fresh debate over whether the PDC needs to overhaul a long-standing rule.
Speaking ahead of his Grand Slam of Darts quarter-final clash with Josh Rock, the 18-year-old defending champion opened up about an issue many fans have grumbled about for years: slow play and deliberate stalling on the oche.
“I hate it — we all know when it’s on purpose”
Asked during a Sky Sports sit-down about the one thing he’d change in darts if he could, Littler didn’t hesitate.
“Honestly? Slow play. I hate it,” he said.
“Everyone has their rhythm, but when someone is deliberately slowing things down, you feel it. The crowd feels it. We all know when it’s on purpose.”
The teenager, known for his lightning-quick tempo and no-nonsense approach between throws, said that while he respects players who naturally take their time, intentionally dragging out legs disrupts the match and the atmosphere.
“If it’s natural, fair enough,” he added. “But when it’s done to kill the rhythm — it’s not good for the sport.”
His comments come after several matches at recent majors featured prolonged disputes about pace of play, with referees urging quicker movement and fans venting frustration on social media.
Growing calls for a shot clock
Littler’s stance has reignited calls from some players, pundits, and supporters for the PDC to consider a shot clock, similar to the system used in the US-based Modus Super Series and other fast-paced exhibitions.
Former world champion Mark Webster said on commentary earlier this week that the idea was “closer than ever” to being genuinely discussed.
“If you want consistency and fairness, a 25–30 second shot clock removes the mind games,” Webster said.
“And when a player like Littler — box office, young, the future — is asking for the game to flow better, that carries weight.”
Mixed reaction among players
Not all professionals agree. Several slower-paced throwers have argued that enforcing a shot clock would penalise natural rhythm and create unnecessary pressure in high-stakes legs.
One top-16 player, speaking anonymously, said:
“Darts isn’t speed chess. Some of us need a moment to reset, especially under TV lights. You can’t punish players for not being as fast as Luke.”
But Littler insisted he wasn’t calling for strict timing rules — merely a conversation.
“I’m not saying bring in a clock tomorrow,” he clarified. “Just be fair. If someone’s taking the mick, something should be done.”
A flashpoint moment for the sport
With Littler now the biggest global draw in darts — and closing in on the world No.1 ranking — his opinions often shape public debate. Social media reaction to his comments was instant, with #ShotClock trending on X within minutes of the interview airing.
Fans widely echoed his frustrations:
- “Finally someone said it. Some matches become unwatchable.”
- “Littler is right — rhythm killers ruin games.”
- “A mild shot clock would help the sport, not hurt it.”
Meanwhile, PDC chief executive Matt Porter has previously said he is “open to innovation,” though emphasised that rule changes must have “broad support from players and broadcasters.”
Bottom line
As Littler continues blazing through tournaments at breakneck speed, his call for a more consistent pace of play adds fresh pressure on the sport’s governing bodies.
Whether or not the PDC acts, one thing is certain: when the world’s biggest darts prodigy says he “hates” something about the game, the debate is far from over.
