Why is Luke Littler not playing European Darts Trophy this weekend as World Champion plans 'another chilled week off'

Luke Littler technically would've had two weeks off as he manages his schedule accordingly with no ProTour this past week and also no European Tour this weekend with Littler being the big miss from the European Darts Trophy.

Littler said that in particular he is taking it perhaps to an extreme and is not practicing at all in the coming days and will not pick his darts up in the run up to the Premier League either next week.

Next up is Newcastle where the fixtures are converged based off the current table and with no ProTour next week and also no European Tour, Littler would've played twice in a fortnight. Shrewd scheduling perhaps given the next few months which see ProTours and European Tours consistently including the week after.

Also with Berlin and Rotterdam still to be played, managing the schedule accordingly with constant flights is needed. He produced a stunning display on Thursday still despite admitting he didn't pick up his darts the week prior either. He hit a nine-dart finish and beat MVG in the final.

Read also

"I wanted to beat Gerwyn Price on home soil" - Despite nine-darter and another weekly win, Luke Littler doesn't get everything he wanted in Cardiff

“I can’t see many players in the Premier League practicing at home,” Littler said after extending his overall lead to six points.

“I think everyone from the Prem is going to the Euro Tour this weekend, which I’ve pulled out of.

“I chose not to go and it’s just another chilled week off. I’ll have another week off and chill, and see how the darts fly in Newcastle.”

But he is not resting on his laurels admitting that there is still time to go yet and he isn't counting out Luke Humphries from winning the bonus and topping the table.

“I wouldn’t say the tide has turned because there’s still nine weeks left.

“Luke is still capable of winning the nightly wins, so I’ve got to try and add on to it.”

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate darts experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe