Wayne Mardle has leaped to the defence of Luke Littler after the teenager received ‘jealousy and hate’ on social media.
Littler won his maiden ProTour event on Monday, winning the first Players Championship tournament of the year.
The 17-year-old hit a nine-darter earlier in the day before going on to beat Ryan Searle 8-7 in a thrilling final in Wigan.
Littler has stunned the darting world in recent months after breaking through at the World Championship at Alexandra Palace in December.
Luke Littler has been defended by Wayne Mardle after receiving criticism online
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He was a losing finalist at Ally Pally but has proven since that his performance was not a one-off.
He won the Bahrain Masters, reached the final of the Dutch Darts Masters and also impressed on his first two nights in the Premier League.
Littler needs to play in ProTour events in order to gain ranking points to qualify for major tournaments later this year.
Monday’s tournament was his first on the ProTour and he couldn’t have had a better start.
Former darts star Mardle, now a regular pundit and commentator on the sport, gave a glowing reaction to Littler’s triumph on social media.
Mardle wrote on X: “The kid can seemingly do anything. It’s extraordinary.”
He then compared Littler to legendary players of the past as well as three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen.
Mardle added: “Luke Littler isn’t the norm. Players like him don’t come about often, the last was Michael van Gerwen, before that, Phil Taylor, before that…Eric Bristow.
“It’s possible he has a similar impact on the sport. Enjoy his journey!”
A further two posts read: “Not many players have had the ability and reach to grow a sport. Eric, Phil and Michael, had it and did it.
“So many others have been undoubtedly influential too, but right now Littler absolutely has it. It’s exciting times for darts and darts players.”
However, Mardle was clearly not happy with the reaction of some fans on X.
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Wayne Mardle hit out at the ‘jealousy and hate’ towards Luke Littler
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The 50-year-old claimed some of the comments towards Littler were ‘absolutely disgusting’.
Mardle wrote: “The jealousy and hate for a kid doing well is absolutely disgusting. This world is one spiteful place. C’mon now…be better.”
One fan said to Mardle that Littler should not be compared to greats of the past just yet and that he should be careful of over-hyping him, a criticism often aimed at pundits about Josh Rock.
But Mardle responded: “Wow. You’re a jealous little oik aren’t you. Btw, Josh [Rock] rose up the rankings last year. Clueless spouting. I hope life gets better for you. Don’t wish ill on others, horrid trait.”
Luke Littler has enjoyed a monumental rise in darts in recent months
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Mardle still believes Van Gerwen is still the best darts player on their day.
However, he reckons Littler is now ready to give him a run for his money.
Mardle posted: “I’ve said for a long time now, if they all play well MVG wins…and I haven’t changed my mind on that, but right now imo Littler looks most likely to win.
“It’ll change no doubt. Players form comes and goes. Hey….that’s darts!”
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