Luke Littler has announced his decision to skip the upcoming BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards despite being nominated. He believes that Lando Norris is likely to clinch the top accolade. At 18 years old, Littler is among the six contenders for the prestigious award, competing against the likes of Norris, Rory McIlroy, Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, and Ellie Kildunne. Although he missed out on the award last year to Keely Hodgkinson, Littler is once again in the running after a remarkable year. However, he is focused on his upcoming match with either Mario Vandenbogaerde or David Davies, scheduled just two days after the award ceremony on December 18.
When asked about the awards ceremony, Littler stated that he will not be attending, suggesting that those at the top of the betting odds are more likely to be present. He expressed his belief that Norris will emerge as the winner. Reflecting on his own chances, Littler pondered whether winning the four major events he missed this year would have secured him the award. He wished good luck to all the nominees.
Littler’s immediate plans involve relaxing at home, with a visit to watch Manchester United play against Bournemouth on Monday night. Despite being a devoted Manchester United fan, Littler faced scrutiny regarding how he obtained tickets for a recent game. He clarified that Adidas provided him with tickets as part of their allocation for the year.
Having progressed to the next round at Ally Pally with a 3-0 victory over Darius Labanauskas, Littler discussed his performance and the intensity of the competition. He emphasized the importance of winning the first set and maintained his satisfaction with his performance. Looking ahead to the World Darts Championship, Littler, the defending champion, is prepared to face his challengers in a sold-out arena.
In preparation for the upcoming championship, a special edition preview has been released featuring insights from Littler and other top contenders. Interviews with key figures in the darts world, along with profiles of the leading players, offer a comprehensive look at the competition. Fans can access this exclusive content to stay informed and engaged with the event.