World number one Luke Littler says he has earned the right to pick and choose which tournaments he plays in.
The 19-year-old has scaled back his schedule this year, limiting the number of minor events he enters to manage his calendar.
So far, Littler has featured in only two Players Championship floor events, entered just three European Tour tournaments, and opted out of the recent World Series events in New Zealand and Australia.
Darts supremo Barry Hearn recently issued a warning to the sport’s top stars about regularly missing tournaments, but Littler maintains that his position at the top of the rankings grants him full control.
He also recognises that the sport of darts needs him more than he needs darts, with his growing profile helping drive the sport forward.
“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 participating in the Players Championships this year in an attempt to complete a clean sweep of major titles.
However, having already claimed the opening six major trophies of the year, he is aiming for all 10, requiring him to qualify for November’s Players Championship Finals.
He is playing catch-up after skipping the first 26 floor tournaments of the year, before launching his campaign in Leicester a fortnight ago.
Whether he continues his pursuit will depend entirely on how he performs in the World Series of Darts Finals this week.
If he fails to win in Amsterdam and can no longer secure every major title this year, he is unlikely to try to qualify for Minehead.
Littler understands that he can only focus on taking things 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.
