SKY SPORTS implemented a significant alteration to their World Darts Championship coverage following Luke Littler's outburst towards fans.
The world No. 1 and reigning Ally Pally champion achieved victory against Rob Cross on Monday in the last 16.
Sky Sports made a significant change to their darts coverage after Luke Littler's latest win.Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
as he prepared for a quarter-final matchup against Krzysztof Ratajski.
After the match against Cross, he expressed his frustration with supporters during an on-stage tirade regarding their behavior.
However, Sky Sports decided to make a change following Littler's recent victory this evening.
The teenager shared his post-game insights as usual after setting up a semi-final against Ryan Searle.
This time, Littler spoke to Sky Sports in their studio rather than on stage before the fans.
Following tonight's game, the broadcaster promptly transitioned to a commercial break.
Upon returning, Littler was in the Sky Sports studio at Ally Pally, providing his thoughts on Ratajski's challenge.
The king of the oche had no negative remarks for the booing fans this time, as he was instead cheered on by the crowd tonight.
Littler remarked: “The crowd was very supportive tonight.
“Given that it’s New Year, perhaps some new fans joined in. The fans were fantastic. I played well, and now we look ahead to the semi-finals.”
He continued: “There were a few boos here and there, but as soon as I stepped on stage, the crowd was absolutely incredible.
“Leading up to it, my family and friends advised me to just go with the flow. Once I was on stage, I acknowledged them with a clap, signaling that I wanted their support.
“They rallied behind me, and I got the job done. I hope for the same in the future.
“I’m developing as a player mentally. I’ve learned how to handle these situations. The match against Rob Cross definitely tested my resolve.
“In upcoming matches, I know how to cope and push through it.
“The crowd's support is invaluable if they are on your side. If they are not, it presents a significant challenge.
“There were a few German fans singing ‘there’s only one Krzysztof Ratajski,’ but that was about it.”
List of All-Time Darts World Champions
BELOW is a list of darts world champions by year.
The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions.
This means Raymond van Barneveld, for instance, is only listed once—Barney also secured four BDO titles—and none of Eric Bristow’s five BDO titles are included.
1994 – Dennis Priestley
1995 – Phil Taylor
1996 – Phil Taylor (2)
1997 – Phil Taylor (3)
1998 – Phil Taylor (4)
1999 – Phil Taylor (5)
2000 – Phil Taylor (6)
2001 – Phil Taylor (7)
2002 – Phil Taylor (8)
2003 – John Part
2004 – Phil Taylor (9)
2005 – Phil Taylor (10)
2006 – Phil Taylor (11)
2007 – Raymond van Barneveld
2008 – John Part (2)
2009 – Phil Taylor (12)
2010 – Phil Taylor (13)
2011 – Adrian Lewis
2012 – Adrian Lewis (2)
2013 – Phil Taylor (14)
2014 – Michael van Gerwen
2015 – Gary Anderson
2016 – Gary Anderson (2)
2017 – Michael van Gerwen (2)
2018 – Rob Cross
2019 – Michael van Gerwen (3)
2020 – Peter Wright
2021 – Gerwyn Price
2022 – Peter Wright (2)
2023 – Michael Smith
2024 – Luke Humphries
2025 – Luke Littler
Most World Titles
14 – Phil Taylor
3 – Michael van Gerwen
2 – John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright
1 – Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler
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Sky Sports made a significant change to their darts coverage after Luke Littler's latest win.
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
