Nathan Aspinall echoes criticism surrounding Littler respect: "I’ve got to remember that I’m there to win"

Nathan Aspinall admits that he has sometimes been too friendly toward Luke Littler during matches. The Englishman is thereby responding to recent statements by Vincent van der Voort, who was critical of certain players' behavior toward the young darts phenomenon.

Van der Voort, a former finalist at the UK Open, voiced his concerns in the Dutch podcast Darts Draait Door. There, he stated that there are too many "fanboys" of Littler running around on the PDC Tour. According to him, some players behave as admirers rather than competitors of the 18-year-old world champion.

“Every little thing, they’re giving him fist bumps or smiles.” Van der Voort said. “Some players just show up and act like the perfect son-in-law, but that doesn’t bring much excitement."

Commenting to talkSPORT, Aspinall, the current world number eight, revealed that there was some truth in the comments. The winner of two major PDC tournaments acknowledged that he may have been a little too respectful toward his young opponent during the World Cup.

"Apparently so. But, to be fair, they were right at the World Championship. I was a bit too respectful to him. I’ve got to remember that I’m there to win for myself," he said.

“I’ve known Luke since he was 11 or 12. I’m just generally happy for what he’s achieved in the game. He’s a really nice kid, but I’ve just got to start beating him.

Aspinall also expresses his admiration for the way Littler has handled the enormous media attention he has received since his breakthrough. “I’ve said it many times. I don’t think I could do what he’s had to go through and I’m quite mentally strong."

“At 17, 18 with all the media commitments and going on all these shows. The difference between dart players and footballers is that we don’t get media trained.  

“He’s been thrown into the deep end, going on A League of their Own and all these different shows. He does get a lot of respect and he deserves it.”