Latest news with #TheNuke
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The Ozzy Osbourne loving darts cult hero out to rock Luke Littler as he reveals precious Black Sabbath keepsake
Goldfinger Andrew Gilding is flying at the Matchplay and now aiming to take down The Nuke Reluctant hero Andrew Gilding is aiming to deliver a huge Blackpool shock to deliver again for his cult following. The 54-year-old is darts' quiet man who is making another huge noise at the Winter Gardens. Heavy Metal fan Gilding made the last-eight 12 months ago and has rocked the venue again this time around to set-up a glittering Friday clash with Luke Littler. The 2023 UK Open champ looked emotional on stage at the end of his last 16 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode as fans celebrated his triumph and said: 'I've had some support here this year, a lot of support. I could see a lot of scarves in the crowd and they were chanting my name big time and that did help. 'Am I a cult hero? Okay, I don't really do any theatricals, but if that's what people want to see. 'No, I'm not going to beat my chest or anything. I have been known to give a fist now and again. Maybe as we get further into the tournament, I might start doing a bit more. "That would be unexpected. Some players can feed off the atmosphere. My game is, I just let it all wash over me.' Ozzy Osbourne died at the beginning of the week and Gilding has a piece of special memorabilia from the rock star's band in his collection as he said: 'It was a sad day, really. "I actually got Tony Iommi's signature guitar at home, so I like a bit of Black Sabbath. Yeah, I've been kind of collecting guitars, much to the disappointment of my other half.' Gilding lost out to Michael van Gerwen in the quarters last year and now has the unenviable task of meeting Littler. Asked what he learned from that loss, he said: 'Yeah, I learned that I need to take some sugar tablets or something to keep my energy up. "So, I'll be taking them in the next game. They're always in my dart case now. So, in case I feel a bit low, being a Type 2 diabetic, that got me last year. I think I felt low on energy. 'There's plenty of good players out there. I don't think I'll crumble like I used to. Nothing seems to faze me so much anymore. "Apart from nearly hitting a nine-darter, that fazed me. I'll be looking for another win, because we're one each at the moment. I'd like to get one over on him. 'I'm definitely more consistent than I used to be. I'm getting to the floor tournaments, I'm getting there nice and early, not being lazy, having a good breakfast, all that business, being professional.' Gilding wasn't quite so energetic in the build-up to his van Duijvendobe win as he said: 'I had two and a half days in my hotel room doing pretty much nothing. "Feeling really stiff after those two days because I'd just been watching Netflix and not really getting a lot of exercise and felt pretty rough. I don't ever really expect it. "To be honest, I'm just waiting for the bottom to fall out of my game. So, if that keeps happening, then it's good.' Lifting the trophy would eclipse Gilding's 2023 triumph and he said: 'That'd be nice, wouldn't it? Yeah, go on. I'll have a go.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Luke Littler selling signed sketches of himself online for eye-watering sum
DARTS sensation Luke Littler is selling sketches of himself for £1,295. There are four framed drawings of the teen arrows ace to choose from — each signed with his nickname, Advertisement 2 Luke Littler is selling sketches of himself for £1,295 Credit: Jam Press/Luke Littler Shop One shows him after his world championship win and another holding the They are the highest priced items on 18-year-old Littler's online shop. The pictures come with a certificate of authenticity from The Fan Cave — a site which lists the same items for less than half the price at £595. As well as images, clothing, darts and mugs, Littler's merchandise shop is also selling rubber-backed 'The Nuke' feeding mats for pets at £15. Advertisement READ MORE ON Luke Littler The listing states: 'Whether your furry friend is a messy eater or you want to add colour to their space, this mat is the perfect solution.' Luke recently left fans divided with The teenager had ditched his iconic shirt that he had worn since last year. Luke kept his traditional purple and yellow but with a new design. Advertisement Most read in Darts The new shirt featured yellow paint strokes on the sleeves with a main purple body. However, the nuclear logos had been removed from the body, as had the yellow panelling under the sleeve. Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record 2 There are four framed drawings of the teen arrows ace to choose from — each signed with his nickname, The Nuke Credit: PA
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Luke Littler selling signed sketches of himself online for eye-watering sum
DARTS sensation Luke Littler is selling sketches of himself for £1,295. There are four framed drawings of the teen arrows ace to choose from — each signed with his nickname, The Nuke. One shows him after his world championship win and another holding the Grand Slam trophy. They are the highest priced items on 18-year-old Littler's online shop. The pictures come with a certificate of authenticity from The Fan Cave — a site which lists the same items for less than half the price at £595. As well as images, clothing, darts and mugs, Littler's merchandise shop is also selling rubber-backed 'The Nuke' feeding mats for pets at £15. The listing states: 'Whether your furry friend is a messy eater or you want to add colour to their space, this mat is the perfect solution.' Luke recently left fans divided with a new look for the World Matchplay Darts. The teenager had ditched his iconic shirt that he had worn since last year. Luke kept his traditional purple and yellow but with a new design. The new shirt featured yellow paint strokes on the sleeves with a main purple body. However, the nuclear logos had been removed from the body, as had the yellow panelling under the sleeve. Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record 2
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I'm glad it's paid off' – Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record
LUKE LITTLER came close to breaking the World Matchplay average record as he blitzed Ryan Searle in just 16 MINUTES! The teen sensation won his first-ever clash on the Winter Gardens stage, Advertisement 1 Luke Littler came close to another record after beating Ryan Searle in 16 minutes on Sunday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The 17-year-old said: 'I'm just so glad to get that win here. I wanted to just get it done. 'I felt very comfortable. I've been practising so much. I've not done much on social media. I've just been putting in the hours and hours. 'I'm glad it's paid off tonight. It's been two hours a day. Advertisement READ MORE ON DARTS 'I was here watching Luke (Humphries) last night. I just wanted to come here and get another feel for it. 'I'm still a fan, I'll still come and watch, even if I'm not playing on the night.' Littler flew out of the blocks, ripping into a 5-0 lead in just SEVEN MINUTES and hitting five out of six shots on the doubles. It took Searle six legs to get a double on the board after The Nuke piled on the pressure including a 126 checkout but his finishing just dipped off slightly in the latter stages. Advertisement Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Littler's opponent in the last 16 will be Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena who beat 2021 champion Peter Wright 10-8. Littler lost to Michael van Gerwen on his Blackpool debut in 2024 but his showing against 'Heavy Metal' was simply spectacular. Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record The reigning world champion is renowned for his lack of practice on the board outside of tournaments, often not throwing darts in between being on the stage. Advertisement But Littler is determined to add this major to his cabinet. If he does, he completes the darting 'Triple Crown' of the World Matchplay, World Darts Championship , and Premier League. That is fate only completed by Taylor, Van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries. World Matchplay Darts 2025 BLACKPOOL will be the home of darts for the next week as the World Matchplay returns! There has already been huge drama in round one of the tournament with SIX of the 16 players already out. A new champions is now also guaranteed after Luke Humphries crashed out in his tournament opener against Gian van Veen. There will be darts action every night this week ahead of the big final on Sunday. LIVE - Follow all the action from the World Matchplay 2025 INFO Full schedule and results Prize money LATEST NEWS
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘I'm glad it's paid off' – Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record
Littler can join an darting elite circle by next week LUKE AT THAT 'I'm glad it's paid off' – Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER came close to breaking the World Matchplay average record as he blitzed Ryan Searle in just 16 MINUTES! The teen sensation won his first-ever clash on the Winter Gardens stage, smashing Heavy Metal 10-2 in Blackpool on Sunday night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Luke Littler came close to another record after beating Ryan Searle in 16 minutes on Sunday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Littler delivered an average of 108.92, just short of Phil Taylor's 114.99 - but after five legs was flying at 121.21 per three darts. The 17-year-old said: 'I'm just so glad to get that win here. I wanted to just get it done. 'I felt very comfortable. I've been practising so much. I've not done much on social media. I've just been putting in the hours and hours. 'I'm glad it's paid off tonight. It's been two hours a day. READ MORE ON DARTS LUK AT THAT Littler reveals new look for World Matchplay Darts as fans are left divided 'I was here watching Luke (Humphries) last night. I just wanted to come here and get another feel for it. 'I'm still a fan, I'll still come and watch, even if I'm not playing on the night.' Littler flew out of the blocks, ripping into a 5-0 lead in just SEVEN MINUTES and hitting five out of six shots on the doubles. It took Searle six legs to get a double on the board after The Nuke piled on the pressure including a 126 checkout but his finishing just dipped off slightly in the latter stages. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Littler's opponent in the last 16 will be Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena who beat 2021 champion Peter Wright 10-8. Littler lost to Michael van Gerwen on his Blackpool debut in 2024 but his showing against 'Heavy Metal' was simply spectacular. Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record The reigning world champion is renowned for his lack of practice on the board outside of tournaments, often not throwing darts in between being on the stage. But Littler is determined to add this major to his cabinet. If he does, he completes the darting 'Triple Crown' of the World Matchplay, World Darts Championship, and Premier League. That is fate only completed by Taylor, Van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries.
