Darts sensation Luke Littler received an outpouring of support from fans after his World Masters semi-final exit, with supporters rallying behind the teenage star on social media.
“You still did a very good job. Proud of you,” wrote one fan on Instagram following Littler’s defeat.
“Chin up mate, you were mega! Onto the next one pal!” another supporter commented.
A third posted: “Still an incredible performance despite the loss! Onwards and upwards!”
Luke Littler is yet to follow up his world championship win
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One other person replied: “Heads up mate look forward you played amazing nothing can take that away.”
The encouragement continued with fans emphasising his strong performance, with one writing: “Gutted for you today but you played well this weekend and roll on the Premier League darts.”
The 18-year-old PDC World Champion suffered a 4-2 defeat to Jonny Clayton in the World Masters quarter-final.
The latest setback comes after a remarkable rise for Littler, who became the youngest ever PDC World Championship winner when he defeated Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace last month.
His meteoric ascent saw him climb from 164th to second in the PDC Order of Merit during 2024.
Jonny Clayton got the better of Luke Littler
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The tournament exit follows his semi-final loss to Stephen Bunting at the Dutch Darts Masters and the quarter-final elimination at the 2025 Bahrain Darts Masters by Gerwyn Price, after taking some time off with a holiday in Spain in early January.
Taking to Instagram after the match, Littler expressed his feelings about the tournament exit.
“My first world masters and have loved playing this tournament just disappointed to not make it past the quarters but well played @jonnyclay180,” he wrote.
The Warrington-born star added: “Thanks as always for all the support it’s been amazing.”
Littler will now turn his attention to defending his Premier League Darts title, with the competition set to begin on Thursday evening in Belfast.
The upcoming tournament provides an immediate opportunity for the teenage sensation to bounce back from his World Masters disappointment.
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Luke Littler is the defending Premier League champion
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“Onto the Premier League,” as one supporter noted, highlighting the quick turnaround between competitions for the young star.
Littler faces Michael van Gerwen in his first Premier League match of the season on Thursday night.