Luke Littler back in action today, Ryan Searle WINS Players Championship 3
‘Pikachu has previous’
Commentator Wayne Mardle can find “no positive reason” for Ricardo Pietreczko’s angry antics against Luke Littler.
Pietreczko took on Littler after the 17-year-old beat him in the semi-final last night on his way to victory at the Belgian Darts Open.
Many fans were as baffled as they were outraged by the scenes.
And one tagged with 50-year-old former World Cup finalist Mardle.
The viewer posted on
Sky Sports pundit Mardle replied: “I don’t have a positive answer so I’ll keep quiet.”
Littler himself responded to the incident by posting on a Facebook group: “No idea what I did wrong, no idea what he said. He said something and then don’t do it again.’
Pietreczko wrote on his Instagram story: “I really appreciate that he can play such a game at such an age. But I hope his arrogance punishes him.”
Humphries reveals modest goal
Luke Humphries has played down his Premier League ambitions ahead of Thursday’s Night Seven.
The world champion will take on Michael Smith, while Michael van Gerwen will take on Luke Littler at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
Humphries said: “My aim this season is to be in the top four, whether that is first or fourth.
“There are eight fantastic players participating in this tournament, but I really want to make Finals Night; that would be a huge achievement for me.
“If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. It’s my first year in the Premier League and it’s all about experience and learning, but I’m loving every minute of it.
“It is a privilege to be involved in the Premier League. I don’t feel like a rookie. I feel like I’ve been doing this for five years.”
Hamilton and Rowlands join the elite
Andy Hamilton and Richard-Eirig Rowlands prepare to take part in the Champion of Champions after qualifying excitement.
Reaching the televised event of the World Seniors Darts Tour is an impressive step forward for both men.
Rowlands even beat Hamilton on his way to winning the first qualifying tournament, with the Welshman beating Stephan Wood 6-1 in the final.
Hamilton didn’t have to wait much longer to join him – with success in the second qualifying tournament.
‘The Hammer’ defeated both Colin McGarry and Andy Boulton 5-3 before beating compatriot Darren Johnson 6-3 in the final.
Robert Thornton, Phil Taylor, Leonard Gates, Richie Howson, Martin Adams and John Henderson make up the rest of the field in the Champion of Champions.
It takes place from March 23 to 24 in Blackpool.
Littler & MVG will transform New York into The Big Arrow
Luke Littler will lead a superstar line-up for the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden on May 31 and June 1.
The PDC confirmed that the 17-year-old Warrington whizkid will make his North American debut, alongside other big names including his World Cup final conqueror Luke Humphries and Michael Van Gerwen.
In fact, EVERY current Premier League Darts player will be taking part.
The Nuke has already starred on the World Series circuit, hitting a nine-darter en route to winning the tournament in Bahrain in January.
Littler was also a finalist at the Dutch Darts Masters in Den Bosch.
Michael Smith, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price And Peter Wright are among the other top players who will leave for New York in two months.
In the first round, all PDC players meet a North American rival.
The four guaranteed competitors from across the pond are Matt Campbell, Jules van Dongen, Danny Lauby and Stowe Buntz.
They will be joined by three qualifiers and the winner of the CDC Cross Border Championship.
Adam Smith Neale hung on darts
Adam Smith-Neale has been suspended after footage emerged of him appearing to PUNCH his opponent.
This means that his PDC Tour Card has been revoked, which is covered by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) for all darts activities.
Players must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner when they play, regardless of the level that Smith-Neale has betrayed.
In the videoSmith-Neale’s opponent won and then extended his arm for a handshake, but instead felt the full force of Smith-Neale’s fist.
The shocked player appeared unharmed as he walked back to the board to retrieve his darts and gestured to him.
Smith-Neale then tried to get back at his rival, but a man intervened and pushed him against the wall.
Line-up for the Night Seven quarter-finals
Premier League Darts returns on Thursday and what a succession of matches there is in the quarter-final at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham.
- Peter Wright vs. Gerwyn Price
- Luke Humphries vs. Michael Smith
- Michael van Gerwen against Luke Littler
- Rob Cross vs. Nathan Aspinall