Traffic Jam Leaves Top Darts Pro Litterler Late for Tournament, A Victory for Humility
Luke Littler, the reigning world champion in professional darts, was left with little time to react as a traffic jam on the M6 highway thwarted his registration for this week's Players Championship event in Wigan. The 18-year-old, who had just won the previous tournament earlier this month, was forced to spend the day in his car, missing the strict 11am deadline by mere minutes.
The circumstances of Littler's absence were almost overshadowed by a tragic news report that emerged from the same highway: a man had died following an incident on the M6. In a heart-wrenching update, Littler sent condolences to those affected, expressing his regret at missing registration but prioritizing support for the bereaved.
The missed opportunity proved costly for Littler as his spot in the draw was taken by Charlie Manby, who went on to triumph over former world champion Rob Cross. Meanwhile, top seeds like Luke Humphries and Nathan Aspinall fell short of their ambitions, succumbing to outsiders Adam Warner and George Killington respectively.
In a separate development, the Professional Darts Corporation has secured an extension with ITV until at least 2028, ensuring that several key events remain on free-to-air television. The PDC chief executive, Matt Porter, hailed the new deal as "delightful," highlighting its potential to sustain their partnership beyond two decades.
Littler himself appeared unfazed by his missed opportunity, sharing a wry remark about being called up for another duty - and even managing to inject some humor into an otherwise somber day.
Luke Littler, the reigning world champion in professional darts, was left with little time to react as a traffic jam on the M6 highway thwarted his registration for this week's Players Championship event in Wigan. The 18-year-old, who had just won the previous tournament earlier this month, was forced to spend the day in his car, missing the strict 11am deadline by mere minutes.
The circumstances of Littler's absence were almost overshadowed by a tragic news report that emerged from the same highway: a man had died following an incident on the M6. In a heart-wrenching update, Littler sent condolences to those affected, expressing his regret at missing registration but prioritizing support for the bereaved.
The missed opportunity proved costly for Littler as his spot in the draw was taken by Charlie Manby, who went on to triumph over former world champion Rob Cross. Meanwhile, top seeds like Luke Humphries and Nathan Aspinall fell short of their ambitions, succumbing to outsiders Adam Warner and George Killington respectively.
In a separate development, the Professional Darts Corporation has secured an extension with ITV until at least 2028, ensuring that several key events remain on free-to-air television. The PDC chief executive, Matt Porter, hailed the new deal as "delightful," highlighting its potential to sustain their partnership beyond two decades.
Littler himself appeared unfazed by his missed opportunity, sharing a wry remark about being called up for another duty - and even managing to inject some humor into an otherwise somber day.
. Who would've thought traffic jams on the M6 could ruin his chances of winning again? 
And it's sad that he had to spend his day stuck in traffic instead of practicing his throws. On a lighter note, at least he took it all in stride and joked about being called up for duty 
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. It's always great when sports events stay on free-to-air TV for fans like us who can't afford premium channels 
. Can't wait to see what other exciting tournaments come up next!
like how can you be that bad?! anywayz, so Luke Littler was supposed to be at this tournament but ends up stuck on the M6 lol what a bummer 
& I feel for him, but on the bright side, he showed some serious humility when he could've gotten all salty 
meanwhile, Charlie Manby gets to shine and rob Cross is like "what's going on?" 
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. it's awesome that the pdc is committed to keeping their events on free-to-air tv for another two decades 
. maybe he'll come back stronger next time and win even more 
! Traffic jam on the M6 highway left him stuck in his car with not enough time to register for the tournament, so sad 
. At least he showed class by sending condolences to the family of that poor guy who died on the same road, really shows you what a sportman should be 
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! Guess you need more than just skill to win in darts 
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he was literally the reigning world champ n all of a sudden hes stuck in traffic on the m6 highway 
. but u kno what the worst part is? he sent condolences 2 the guy who died on the same highway... that's just 
. & its not like he's gonna let it ruin his year or anything 
, we all get caught up in traffic sometimes 
. And those other top seeds? Yeah, they're gonna have to step up their game now!