World number one Luke Littler says he has earned the right to pick and choose which tournaments he plays.
The 19-year-old has taken a step back this year, limiting the number of lower-key events he has entered as he manages his schedule.
Littler has only played two Players Championship floor events, entered just three European Tour tournaments and skipped the recent World Series competitions in New Zealand and Australia.
Darts supremo Barry Hearn recently fired a warning to the sport’s top stars about regularly missing tournaments, but Littler says he can be his own master given his position at the top of the rankings.
He also knows that darts needs him more than he needs darts, with his profile helping drive the sport.
“I think obviously it’s just what’s best for me and my family, just having those crucial days off,” he told the Press Association.
“I think we’re going to see more days off just to rest.
“That’s all I’m doing. I’m obviously world number one, and there’s a massive gap between myself and world number two.
“I can sort of take that step back and not go chasing every single tournament.
“It allows me to have, obviously, days off and weeks off, and yeah, just about balancing the schedule.”
Littler is only taking part in the Players Championships this year in a bid to win a clean sweep of major titles.
However, having won the first six major titles of the year, he is aiming for all 10 and that requires him to qualify for the Players Championship Finals in November.
He is playing catch-up after skipping the first 26 floor events of the year, before beginning his bid in Leicester a fortnight ago.
Whether he continues his pursuit will depend on how he fares in the World Series of Darts Finals this week.
If he does not win the tournament in Amsterdam and can no longer secure every major title this year, he is unlikely to try and qualify for the Players Championship in Minehead.
Littler knows he can only take it one tournament at a time.
“That’s all you can do,” he added, speaking through his role with KP Nuts. “I can’t be looking forward any more than what’s next, which is the World Series in Amsterdam.
“If I hopefully do win the World Series, then Tuesday and Wednesday I’ll be in Den Bosch for the Pro Tours, try and qualify for Minehead.
“We’ve just got to see what happens in Amsterdam this weekend.”
:: Luke Littler and KP Nuts have launched ‘Hit the Bullseye’, giving fans the chance to win £20,000, dartboards and daily prizes by scanning the QR code on promotional packs available in pubs and shops now. Visit https://kpnutsfordarts.com/ for more info.
