STEPHEN BUNTING admits players are producing a “deep sigh of relief” at Luke Littler’s recent form.
The Nuke, 19, looked invincible in the first half of 2026 as he won the first five majors.
But early exits since at the World Series of Darts Finals, Grand Prix and European Championship have curtailed Littler.
Ahead of the start of the Grand Slam of Darts tonight, Bunting, 41, said: “There’s probably a deep sigh of relief when he goes out of a tournament, I’m not going to lie.
“But he’s a good friend and wish him all the best — until he plays me!”
Littler has recently admitted that he is desperate to taste glory again at the Grand Slam of Darts.
The Warrington thrower has won the tournament for the previous two years.
But he is more desperate to win it this year following a run of bad form.
He said: “It feels like a year ago I actually won something.
“But it’s only been a few months. I need to get that winning feeling back, hopefully on stage at the on Saturday.“
He has been drawn into a group alongside female ace Beau Greaves and Dutch star Niels Zonneveld.
The Nuke goes into the competition two weeks after his Netflix special.
Littler faced 15 opponents in back-to-back single-leg matches for ‘Beat Luke Littler’ in Manchester.
He was eventually – who took home the £501,000 prize.
Littler recently admitted that during the event.
