VIDEO: Littler's false nine-dart finish, stopped by Paul Hinks score correction

Making his debut on the MODUS Super Series, 16-year-old Luke Littler came within millimetres of a historic nine darter. Even referee Paul Hinks seemingly wanted it to happen.

Kicking off his match against fellow prospect Nathan Girvan, Littler fired in 180 to get off to the perfect start. Two more treble twenties then followed before his 6th dart of the leg cruelly deflected to just above the top wire of the treble. Referee Hinks however initially began calling another 180 before Littler pointed out it was just the other side of the wire.

With Littler left on 181 after six darts, the 16-year-old then threw the perfect set-up shot and left himself on double top after nine darts thrown.

Check it out in the clip below.

If Hinks had his way it would've been a 9️⃣! 😫 pic.twitter.com/IJsLLwO9pB

— MODUS Super Series (@MSSdarts) April 11, 2023