Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler mounted a remarkable comeback to defeat Mike De Decker 10-9 in a controversial last-16 match at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.
The 17-year-old Englishman found himself trailing 8-4 and later 9-7 to the Belgian World Grand Prix champion.
De Decker came within one dart of victory, missing the bullseye on a 170 checkout attempt.
But Littler showed extraordinary composure to win three successive legs, including a decisive break of throw, to secure his place in the quarter-finals.
“I don’t know if I enjoyed that. I’ve got to feel for Mike,” Littler told Sky Sports after his victory.
The controversy centred on persistent whistling from the crowd whenever De Decker attempted crucial doubles during the match.
Luke Littler was apologetic after claiming an incredible win
Sky Sports
The Belgian player called for referee Kirk Bevins to address the disruptive behaviour, but his requests were ignored.
“I asked Kirk Bevin to address the crowd, but he wouldn’t even do that,” De Decker told Viaplay after the match.
“Why is he even there then? He’s the referee!” the frustrated World Grand Prix champion added.
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The incident has reignited debate about crowd control at major darts tournaments, with officials appearing powerless to prevent such disruptions during crucial moments.
Sky Sports reporter Abigail Davies took to social media to condemn the crowd’s behaviour.
“Whistling at darts tournaments has to be stopped, surely they can’t profess to be real darts fans?” she wrote.
“The comeback from Littler was spectacular but I genuinely feel for De Decker. Sick of it being a blight on our sport,” Davies added.
Referee Kirk Bevins responded in agreement, explaining the challenges officials face.
“The crowd just get worse when referees address the crowd. John McDonald even addressed the crowd in the break once regarding this and they got worse,” Bevins wrote.
He suggested fans should “report it to security and get them kicked out” if they witness whistling.
The partisan crowd’s behaviour appeared to influence the match’s momentum, particularly in its closing stages.
“The crowd obviously they were on his back even worse. Then I just took full advantage,” Littler admitted.
Mike De Decker complained to the referee amid crowd trouble
Sky Sports
The teenager’s demeanour after victory reflected the controversial nature of the win, as he immediately held up his hands in an apologetic gesture after throwing the winning dart.
Littler also revealed a tactical adjustment during his comeback: “Early on I was at my normal pace but towards the end I was taking an extra second, and that helped me – I might have to throw like that from now on.”
Sky Sports’ Megan Wellens noted that whistling has become “a harsh reality of current darts climate.”
Littler’s dramatic victory sets up a quarter-final clash with Dutch player Jermaine Wattimena on Saturday.
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Luke Littler came back to win 10-9 but his opponent was on the receiving end of crowd whistles
Sky Sports
Wattimena earned his place in the last eight with his own thrilling 10-9 victory over Dimitri van den Bergh.
In other last-16 action, Gian van Veen secured an emphatic 10-2 win against Ryan Joyce.
Gary Anderson completed the quarter-final line-up by defeating Stephen Bunting 10-6.
The tournament continues on Friday evening at the Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton, with Mickey Mansell facing Cameron Menzies and Martin Lukeman taking on Rob Cross in the first two quarter-final matches.