“We’ve talked it out” – Danny Noppert involved in flashpoint with Luke Littler at World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam
PDCSaturday, 19 September 2026 at 09:30
Danny Noppert has explained an eye-catching moment with Luke Littler after his exit at the World Series of Darts Finals. The Dutchman shouted after a 180 while Littler was set for his next visit. Noppert immediately made it clear to the Englishman there was no malice behind it.
ADVERTISEMENT
The clash between Noppert and Littler turned into a tense affair on Friday night at AFAS Live. The Amsterdam crowd clearly sided with the Frisian and reacted loudly whenever Littler approached the oche. The reigning world champion responded with gestures towards the stands.
Noppert initially seemed to benefit from the atmosphere. The Freeze moved 3-1 ahead but could not build on that start. Littler battled back and closed it out 6-4. Afterwards, Noppert was mainly critical of his own display. “I had the crowd behind me. I felt it and I appreciate it enormously,” he told Viaplay.
The backing from the arena could not mask that his level was lacking, according to Noppert. “All match long I felt I missed too much. The support was immense, but unfortunately I didn’t win. I’m playing against myself, in the end, not against him. If I look at what I produced tonight, it was below par.”
Noppert in action
Noppert approaches Littler immediately
Brief irritation flared during the match after Noppert hit a 180. On his way back to his table, the Dutchman let out a loud shout. It happened as he passed Littler, just as the Englishman was preparing for his next visit.
Noppert then approached his opponent to make clear he was not trying to break his concentration on purpose. “Because he already gets taken out of his rhythm so much,” said the Dutchman, referring to the whistles and boos from the crowd.
ADVERTISEMENT
The behaviour of part of the audience did not have Noppert’s full approval. While he valued the strong support, he also understood the position Littler found himself in.
“I get that they’re for me. But it’s a pity. We talked it through. I tapped him to explain it. He was fully locked in and I understand that. I don’t know if, had I won, he would have accepted it. But I’m a sporting loser.”
LITTLER SURVIVES THE PRESSURE COOKER 🥘
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 18, 2026
The hunt for every Premier Title in a calendar year continues for Luke Littler!
📺 https://t.co/Xmxpvc1Nh5#WSODFinals | R1 pic.twitter.com/6DaBKfr0Gr
Kieran WoodDarts Journalist
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- I hope Phil doesn't return. Watching him the seniors was embarrassing,and he should bow out,and let everyone remember what a legend he is.rick6716-09-2026
- What a nice comment by Wade. Top bloke.BandB15-09-2026
- He wasn't "offered £501,000 to face Luke Littler". He was allowed to audition for the chance. That's not the same. Literally like saying I was offered a no.1 single, when actually I decided not to attend an open casting for the X factor.BandB13-09-2026
- I loved Jan and loved his walk on music "Explode" by Jordan & Baker. I think if he stuck around the BDO he definitely would have been World Champion, should have won in 2014, he never really showed any of his talent in the PDC. I remembered he worked in a bank or in finance and maybe that was his priority, he was also a fan and interested in magic. Definitely should have achieved much more in darts than he did. Wherever you are nowadays Jan, hope all is well and I was always a fan.richieburnettrocks11-09-2026
- Not much of a tournament really,is it? Now they've all pulled out,it's open for everyone. I'm sure if you bought tickets,you'd be disappointed. Doesn't that seem to bother the withdrawals? Not at all!!rick6710-09-2026
- Need to see her take part in the womens tour. She'll break the inernet.medinabello08-09-2026
- If he can be bothered? He won't play darts in Germany yet he'll go over and get an award!??rick6702-09-2026
- Why is this the main story? He chose not to compete in loads of tournaments,yes he's number 1 in the world,but he does have to turn up at tournaments! Play the next world championship in Dortmund and see if he turns up!!rick6727-08-2026
- This is exactly what I mean,littler survives the 1st round,I think you'll find a lot of other players did. Can you just report on the real sport,and not just 1 person. I like Luke,but this is getting boring now,as Kevin painter once said to Taylor!! The sport is about every player,not 1 who everyone seems to have put the sport on the map.,which he hasn't,he's just got in when the money is massive. Great as he is,it seems like what's the point in anyone trying,he's going to win everything,unless it's in Germany or Australia!!!rick6726-08-2026
- I mean look, Littler's picture is first,wattimena is second and he won! Level it up. I know littler is fantastic,but the sport was here before him,and will be when he's retired. Any player in the top 64/128 can beat each other,it's not big news. Poor Jermaine,wins it,and not even the headline!!rick6726-08-2026
Loading