Luke Littler Breaks Silence After Shock Defeat to Beau Greaves in World Youth Championship Semifinal
Luke Littler Breaks Silence After Shock Defeat to Beau Greaves in World Youth Championship Semifinal
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion, has opened up about his unexpected semifinal exit at the 2025 PDC Winmau World Youth Championship qualifier on October 13 in Wigan, where he was edged out 6-5 by Beau Greaves in a thrilling last-leg decider. Fresh off his £120,000 BoyleSports World Grand Prix triumph over Luke Humphries the previous day, Littler admitted the loss “stung” but praised Greaves’ “some talent” in a gracious Instagram post, reflecting on his near nine-darter and two 10-dart legs. The defeat, his first in a youth event since winning the 2023 title, marks a rare setback for the “Nuke,” who averaged a blistering 107.4 to Greaves’ 105, but her clutch 80 checkout in the decider propelled the 21-year-old women’s world No. 1 to the November 23 final in Minehead against defending champion Gian van Veen.
The Dramatic Semifinal: Greaves’ Clutch Win Over Littler
Littler’s “shock” entry into the youth qualifier—announced hours after his Grand Prix glory—had raised eyebrows, pitting the senior world champion against players aged 16-24 in the 128-player field at Robin Park Leisure Centre. He cruised the early stages, surviving match darts in a 6-5 last-16 scare against Charlie Manby with a 95 checkout, then thumped Jamai van den Herik 6-1 in the quarters. But against Greaves, the Doncaster prodigy and two-time PDC Women’s World Matchplay champion, Littler faced his toughest test.
The semi was a high-octane affair, with Littler opening a 4-2 lead after missing double 12 for a nine-darter in leg four. Greaves, who averaged 105 with six 180s, rallied to level at 4-4 and 5-5, forcing a last-leg decider. She produced an 11-dart break of throw, finishing with an 80 checkout (T20, D10) to become the first woman to reach the World Youth Championship final. Littler’s 107.4 average—his highest in a youth match—featured two 10-dart legs, but Greaves’ composure under pressure proved decisive. “Beau was unreal—toughest match I’ve played in a while,” Littler told Sky Sports, grinning through the disappointment.
Greaves, who has secured a PDC Tour Card for 2026-27, now faces van Veen in Minehead, sandwiched between the Players Championship Finals semis and final. “Luke’s a legend—massive respect for that game,” Greaves said, her win a landmark for women’s darts.
Littler’s Silence-Breaking Post: “Fair Play to Beau”
Littler’s first public words came via an Instagram Story hours after the match, a concise tribute that shut down any negativity: “I had 2 10 dart legs missed d12 for a nine and still couldn’t win. Fair play to @beau_greaves all the best in Minehead. Some talent.” The post, viewed 1.2 million times, drew 600,000 likes and praise for his sportsmanship, especially after a troll’s sexist reply questioning women’s place in mixed events. Littler fired back with “Fair play Beau,” a three-word clapback that amplified Greaves’ brilliance and condemned the abuse, trending under #LittlerGreaves with 300k mentions.
“Luke’s response was pure class—talent over toxicity,” tweeted Wayne Mardle. Greaves replied: “Thanks Luke—proper match. See you on tour.” The exchange underscores their mutual respect, with Greaves now 1-0 in their head-to-head after Littler’s 2023 Youth final win over her.
Littler’s 2025: From Youth Roots to Senior Dominance
Littler’s Youth Worlds entry was a nostalgic full-circle after his Grand Prix win (6-1 over Humphries, 102.15 average, 10 180s, near nine-darter). The £120,000 prize pushed his 2025 earnings to £1.67 million (Worlds £500,000, Premier League £275,000, Matchplay £200,000), with career prize money over £2 million and net worth at £2.5M+ from endorsements (Target Darts, boohooMAN). His PCOM jumps to 42nd (£181,500), £70k behind Humphries’ £1.68M Order of Merit lead—the closest since April.
Girlfriend Faith Millar’s ecstatic Grand Prix celebration (viral hugs with family) and support in Wigan highlighted his balance. “Faith’s my rock—keeps me normal,” Littler said. Self-managing post-ZXF split, with family and Target Darts’ Garry Plummer, he’s eyeing No. 1 by the Worlds (December 15, 2025-January 3, 2026).
| Match | Average | 180s | Key Checkout | Outcome |
|——-|———|——|————–|———|
| vs. Greaves (SF) | 107.4 | 8 | Missed 9-darter (D12); Two 10-dart legs | Loser (5-6) |
| vs. Manby (Last-16) | 102 | 5 | 95 to survive match darts | Winner (6-5) |
| vs. van den Herik (QF) | 98.5 | 4 | 121 | Winner (6-1) |
Reactions: Shock, Support, and Abuse Backlash
Social media exploded under #LittlerGreaves: “Beau stuns the Nuke—women’s darts on top!” (400k likes). Wayne Mardle called it “darts’ biggest youth shock,” while Paul Nicholson praised Littler’s grace: “Two 10-darters and still congratulates her? Class.” The troll’s slur drew condemnation, with Littler’s “Fair play Beau” hailed as “allyship gold.”
As Greaves eyes van Veen in the final, Littler’s silence-breaking post proves his colors: Humble in defeat, fierce in support. The Nuke’s unstoppable—from oche to inspiration.
