Luke Littler is through to his second World Darts Championship final after a commanding win over Stephen Bunting in Thursday's semi-final.
Bunting had been one of the tournament's most impressive performers thus far and would have harboured real hopes of causing an upset at Ally Pally on Thursday.
However, 17-year-old phenomenon Littler was streets ahead on the night, taking a ruthless 6-1 victory to progress to the decider with Michael van Gerwen.
The crowd roared their approval for the youngster throughout the game, with the highlight coming in the penultimate leg when Littler checked out an outrageous 'Big Fish' 170 to move within touching distance of victory.
LITTLER HITS THE BIG FISH! 🐠
Luke Littler with another moment of magic as he hits a 170 finish!
📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj#WCDarts | SF pic.twitter.com/GSf9oLaHgo— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2025
After Littler landed his 170 check out, Bunting could be seen jokingly kicking the air, and offered his opponent a congratulatory high-five. The smile on his face as he did so reflected the jovial atmosphere in which the game had been played.
It was something that did not go down well with everyone watching the game, with 2012 World Youth Champion James Hubbard among those to question whether opponents were now giving Luke Littler too much respect.
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Viewers question attitude of opponents towards Luke Littler
Ex-PDC pro James Hubbard took to Twitter after Thursday night's semi-final to question the attitude of Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall in their defeats to Luke Littler at Ally Pally.
Aspinall last night, Bunting tonight, both of them showing miles to much respect to Littler. I know they’re both good friends with him but you just can’t afford to do it and make him feel even more comfortable than he is. He’s too good!!
— James Hubbard (@Hubbard180) January 2, 2025
"Aspinall last night, Bunting tonight, both of them showing miles [too] much respect to Littler," Hubbard said, "I know they're both good friends with him but you just can't afford to do it and make him feel even more comfortable than he is. He's too good!!"
The issue of the friendly atmosphere towards Littler was arguably more prevalent during Wednesday's quarter-final against Nathan Aspinall.
33-year-old Aspinall - who is affected by dartitis - could be seen joking with the crowd and Littler throughout the game, even when both he and Littler were chasing a 9-darter during the fourth set.
12-DARTER FROM LITTLER!!
What a leg from both that was... Six perfect from Littler and four from Aspinall, but it's Littler who levels with a 12, sealed on double 12.
📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/MgMOnMTrml— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
Though the respect between the players was enjoyable to see, it did not go down well with some viewers.
Some fans took to social media to suggest that players were now being too jovial towards darts' breakout star Littler, with their friendly antics making an already supremely confident player even more assured.
Think both Bunting and Aspinall have made mistake of being too friendly against Luke - and that shows they are good guys.
But do we honestly think MVG or Price would do all this fist bumping during the game?— Warren (@warrenallsworth) January 2, 2025
Aspinall and Bunting have been far too nice to littler. Been more fist bumps thrown in this game than fists thrown in a boxing fight.
— Tom (@Reaneeyy) January 2, 2025
As horrible as it is, only way Michael Van Gerwen wins tomorrow is if he goes on stage and bullies a child. Bunting and Aspinall both made him way too comfortable. MVG needs to pull out mind games to stand a chance.
— EC (@EC_AVFC) January 2, 2025
Littler is a phenom but far too much respect given to him from opponents. Stop fist pumping him every set he wins and compete. Aspinall and Bunting far too nice to him
— Conor Fortune (@conor_fortune) January 2, 2025
It may seem harsh but, with Luke Littler showing no signs of slowing down any time soon, opponents may have to find ways of getting in his head if they are to stop his rise.
No doubt that Michael van Gerwen will be a more hostile presence on the Alexandra Palace stage during Friday's final, which is set to be an epic.
The decider gets underway at 7:30pm, like on Sky Sports.
SEE ALSO: Fans Were Loving Van Gerwen F-Bomb After World Darts Semis Win
