“Are you high?” - Luke Littler hits out at fan for sexist criticism of Beau Greaves

Reigning world champion Luke Littler has hit back strongly at a sexist remark following his defeat to Beau Greaves at the PDC World Youth Championship. The 18-year-old, who had lifted the World Grand Prix trophy just a day earlier, was edged out 6–5 in a thrilling semi-final by the hugely talented Englishwoman.

Greaves, the reigning women’s world champion, impressed once again to book her place in the final of the youth world championship. Despite the defeat, Littler showed real sportsmanship – though that didn’t stop a few online critics from using the result as an excuse for misogynistic comments.

After the match, Littler saw a comment from one darts fan who wrote: “We don’t need this. Women should not compete with men, no matter how good they are.”

That was enough for Littler to fire back with a simple, cutting reply: “Are you high?”

The teenage sensation made it crystal clear what he thought of such remarks. Standing firmly behind Greaves, he praised her ability in his post-match comments. "I had 2 10-darters, missed d12 for a nine and still couldn’t win. Fair play to Beau Greaves, all the best in Minehead. Some talent," he praised.

By beating Littler, the 21-year-old Greaves booked her place in the World Youth Championship final, where she will face Dutch prospect Gian van Veen. The decider will be held in Minehead during the Players Championship Finals weekend – an event where Littler himself will also hope to be competing, although his qualification is still far from certain.

The winner of the youth final will take home £12,000 – a handsome prize, but more importantly, another opportunity for Greaves to test herself against the very best.

Greaves has been in outstanding form for some time. Earlier this year, she secured a coveted PDC Tour Card, giving her the right to compete in all major events over the next two seasons. Many expect her to continue her rise among the sport’s elite.

Her consistency across both the Challenge Tour and Development Tour this season has already convinced many players and pundits that she’s destined for a major breakthrough.