There was much hoo-ha when Luke Littler was invited to join the PDC’s Premier League for 2024. Much of it was self-serving nonsense, from those who always look for the downsides of our sporting and commercial juggernaut. One concern that actually made sense was the risk of burnout. 

More experienced players have struggled with the demands of PL travel and unrelenting pressure, if they needed to play the full – away from the camera – Pro Tour as well. The teenage Littler was yet to make his senior debut at these rolling qualification events and needed to play them in order to reach the major events that his World Championship prize does not assist with.

Initially The Nuke made this look like nonsense by simply winning everything at the first attempt. Thus most qualifications are already not a major concern after only 1 European Tour event and 6 Players Championships. 

Despite already being in the overall top 32, and making an impression on the other Orders of Merit, Luke opted to miss the third pair of Players Championships completely and will not play the Nordic Masters.

Many things in professional sport are a delicate balancing act between grabbing opportunities whilst they are available and managing a career for the longer term. So far it seems that this balance is at least being attempted. Darts fans should wish for its success.

Thank you!

The sight of Phil Taylor , in pain and unhappy, capitulating and then walking out of the Circus Tavern would have been a mean final memory for darts and its fans to have of The Power. One more Blackpool walk-on, and a battle with Martin Adams, was more fitting. Phil ensured the early bankability and attention for the World Seniors Tour which is now giving a new lease of life to a generation that had either missed out or faded away. 

Twice Taylor has played a sizable role in saving/creating darting organisations and ecosystems. A little gratitude would not go amiss.

—–ENDS—–

Images: WSDT