Luke Littler is one of the best darts players in the world right now, but at the age of just 17, there’s a level of inexperience still to his game.
Indeed, while Littler plays on the big stage with the talent of a veteran, his decision-making on the oche can sometimes leave a little bit to be desired.
Littler was knocked out of the World Grand Prix in the first round against Rob Cross on Monday, continuing a poor run of form on the big Sky Sports stages.
Cross took Littler out, and The Nuke may only have himself to blame for his early exit.
Littler made an error in that opening leg of set three as he failed to check out an 81 finish, as he attempted an unconventional treble 17, double 15 finish.
The teenager actually attempted the same finish in the final leg of the match, before Cross sent him packing.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Wayne Mardle critiqued Littler’s set-up play during this game, claiming that his route on 81 isn’t right.
Wayne Mardle criticises Luke Littler’s checkout attempt
Mardle spoke about Littler’s route on the 81 finish.
“I absolutely hate that way. You do not hit an intended treble to leave a double that you then have to break to leave another. If you go inside and then burn a dart it’s just poor, it’s poor. Luke has to rethink that 81,” Mardle said.
“If you go 57 you can go inside on 12s or if you hit 45 you can go inside on the 18s. You have a second dart at double, that way you don’t. That double 51 was poor. A poor choice on 81.”
Luke Littler needs guidance
Littler is an unbelievable talent, but it’s these fine margins at the top level that can cost you.
Littler sacrificed the chance of an extra dart at a double, and that ultimately cost him a leg, and in a short-format game against someone like Rob Cross, you simply can’t do that.
Wayne Mardle knows so much about these routes, and perhaps Littler should have a word with the Sky pundit about the small flaws in his game.
Littler is one of the best players in the world, but for the second big Sky Sports event in a row, he’s been knocked out in the first round.
Littler needs to get back on the practice board ahead of what is going to be a busy end to 2024.