
Luke Littler explains gesture during emotional celebration following comeback win at World Matchplay Darts
The Nuke battled back from 7-2 down to beat Jermaine Wattimena 13-11 in a thrilling tiebreaker last night.
3
3
3
Littler was having a nightmare in the opening stages, missing ten throws at the double and he was on the brink of a second round exit.
But the 18-year-old finally brought his unstoppable best to the oche when needed and he celebrated wildly after landing his fifth match dart.
Littler shouted "come on" when securing his spot in the quarter-final with passion and relief etched on his face.
He then pointed to the bottom of his shirt and flexed it towards fans.
Littler has a badge stitched on there that features his name, the England flag and a single star for the one world title he has won.
Asked about the meaning behind the gesture, Littler revealed: "When I won I pointed to the star on my shirt.
"I'm a world champion for a reason. I find these gears when I need it."
World Championship against Ryan Meikle.
'Jermaine kept putting me under pressure. He was always right behind me, but when I got into the lead I was determined not to let it slip away.'
Littler faces Andrew Gilding in the quarter-final on Friday and the winner will play either Josh Rock or Gerwyn Price.
On the other side of the draw, it is Gian van Veen vs James Wade
and Stephen Bunting vs Jonny Clayton tonight.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
28 minutes ago
- Metro
Ian Wright slams Sarina Wiegman for 'massive mistake' in Women's Euros final
Ian Wright was baffled by a Sarina Wiegman decision ahead of the final of the Women's Euros between England and Spain, confused as to why she gambled on an unfit Lauren James on the left wing. James came into Sunday's showpiece with an ankle injury and did not even make it to half time in Basel. She was substituted after 40 minutes, replaced by Chloe Kelly, after a disappointing performance as the Lionesses struggled to deal with the favourites. Wright felt it was too much of a gamble for Wiegman to pick James from the start, while he was also surprised by where she was played. Often on the right flank, the Arsenal legend had called for James to be deployed down the middle, but couldn't work out why she was played on the left, with defensive responsibilities that were very difficult to fulfil while not at full fitness. 'Massive risk,' Wright said on ITV of James' selection. 'I think she's wasted a sub there. 'She's obviously not right and not only that, she's put her on the other side. I said she should have been in the centre, not on the left side! 'Having to chase back Ona Batlle and chase back Aitana Bonmati when you're half fit. I think that's a massive mistake.' England were already 1-0 down when James limped out of the game, with Mariona Caldentey heading in Spain's opener after 25 minutes. More Trending The goal did come down Spain's right flank, with Batlle providing the assist. Things improved for England in the second half, though, and James' replacement helped conjure up an equaliser after 57 minutes. Kelly whipped in an excellent, in-swinging cross from the left which was expertly headed home by Alessia Russo and it was game on again. The game continues… MORE: Inside England captain Leah Williamson's relationship with former Miss USA winner MORE: How much do women footballers get paid? England player salaries revealed MORE: Meet Sarina Wiegman's husband Marten Glotzbach cheering her on in Women's Euros Final


Reuters
28 minutes ago
- Reuters
Pogacar wins fourth Tour de France title, Van Aert takes final stage
PARIS, July 27 (Reuters) - Slovenian Tadej Pogacar won his fourth Tour de France title after finishing safe in the final stage won by Belgian Wout van Aert on Sunday. Two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark took second place overall with German Florian Lipowitz finishing third.


Daily Mirror
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Princess Charlotte 'has no poker face' after major moment in Euros final
Princess Charlotte and her dad, Prince William, were among fans holding their heads in their hands as Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up in the 25th minute today A royal fan has said Princess Charlotte "has no poker face" after spotting her shocked reaction after a major moment during the Euros final between England and Spain. The 10-year-old is attending the match in Basel, Switzerland, with her dad, Prince William. An image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account shortly before kick-off, with the caption: "Let's go, Lionesses." Charlotte and William were among fans holding their heads in their hands when Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up in the 25th minute, as crowds in fanzones across England fell silent while watching the match. Royal fans took to X to comment on Charlotte's tell-all reactions, with one writing: "I can say Charlotte and William have no poker faces." Another tweeted: "Charlotte facial expressions are everything!" The official BBC 5 Live Sport account also commented on the royals' reactions, saying: "Prince William and Princess Charlotte have been going through all the emotions in that first-half!" The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the Royal Family's official X account posted: "Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening." William posted a good luck message on Saturday which read: "Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W." After England beat Italy 2-1 in the semi-final in Geneva on Tuesday evening, the King and Queen wished the team their "warmest congratulations". Charles said: "Knowing the Lionesses' fighting spirit, I suspect we are in for another thrilling encounter on Sunday. "Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation, proving once again that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more. Charles R." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let's bring it home." He said the team had "changed the game – breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation." The PM said: "Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England!" Meanwhile, cricketer Joe Root wished the Lionesses the "very best of luck" in an online message, adding: "It's been great to watch you play throughout the tournament." Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson said the team has 2absolutely smashed it", adding that "everybody is so proud of you". Meanwhile, BBC Sport and ITV have secured the broadcasting rights for the Women's World Cup 2027, meaning the tournament will remain free-to-air for UK viewers. England's path to the final has been marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time. The Lionesses will be looking for redemption against Spain, who edged them 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. England boss Sarina Wiegman said the team is "going to do everything we can to win it" and she would prefer to avoid a "nerve-wracking" match.