Luke Littler is a ‘control freak and robot’ claims darts rival who hails him for transforming sport

Josh Rock has described Luke Littler as a “control freak” and “a robot” at the oche — as he admitted the teenage star is currently setting the standard in darts.

Rock has lost all four of his meetings with Littler so far. While most have been tight contests, the World Masters clash was the one clear exception.

The world No. 9 could get another shot at Littler soon, with the pair potentially set to meet in the final on Night Three of the Premier League.

Despite his losing record, the 24-year-old was full of admiration for Littler, crediting him with raising the sport’s profile and pushing standards to new levels.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Rock said:
“There have been a couple of times I’ve let him off the hook, and you have to learn from those mistakes.

“At the minute, Littler is the best player in the world and he’s a reigning two-time world champion.

“I just think he’s a control freak and a robot. He’s better than anybody else at the minute.”

Rock insisted Littler’s dominance doesn’t frustrate him, and instead believes the teenager’s rise has helped darts grow dramatically.

He added:
“It doesn’t bother me because he has made our sport what it is today. Kids are playing now and the prize money has gone up.

“It’s probably one of the most watched sports in the world right now. For what he has done, I have to take my hat off to him.”

Scottish Premier League Debut for Rock

The Antrim thrower is set to make his Scottish Premier League debut at the OVO Hydro, where he faces Luke Humphries.

A self-confessed Rangers fan, Rock is hoping he can channel the “Gers spirit” and play the role of adopted home favourite in Glasgow against the former world champion.

He also joked he is hoping Celtic supporters will be distracted by their Europa League match — meaning he avoids any hostile reception.

“Luckily Celtic’s playing in the Europa League,” Rock said. “So hopefully they’re all out and there’s all Rangers fans in!”

“I Hope They Get Behind Me”

Rock also spoke about being the closest thing to a Scottish representative in the line-up and believes it could work in his favour rather than adding pressure.

“I wouldn’t say it’ll add more pressure,” he explained. “I really hope they get behind me.

“What was it — two years since the last Scottish person was on it? Two or three years? I’m close to Scotland.

“Literally a two-hour boat or a quick 10-minute flight over, so I would love it to happen. But obviously I don’t know what to expect from the crowd.”

Rock Talks Rangers, Boyd and Title Chances

Still searching for his first win after two Premier League nights, Rock also opened up on his friendship with former Rangers striker Kris Boyd.

“I’ve got Boydie’s number,” he said. “He met me in the hotel with a coffee and just a wee chit-chat.

“I obviously don’t look like a fanboy, if that makes sense. As much as I want to be, but I’m not — because we’re all in the same industry with being in the limelight.”

Rock also shared his thoughts on Rangers’ season, suggesting issues were clear early on before a turnaround under new leadership.

“We all knew the problems from the start with Russell Martin. We all knew it, but you have to give these things a try.

“So then Danny Röhl has done his magic since he’s come in.

“It’s probably the most interesting league there has been in the last couple of years because obviously Rangers won it, Celtic won it.”