Pub-goers were left stunned when world number one darts player Luke Littler made a surprise appearance at the Feathers Inn in Lichfield on Monday night. The 19-year-old rocked up to the venue, where he challenged punters to a round of darts, after the pub won a competition run by KP Nuts to host the special night—a secret kept since October.
Speaking to BBC Midlands Today during the event, Littler said: "It's been a mixed reaction, some shocked, some excited but we're going to have a good night." The two-time PDC World Champion, who won his first World Masters title earlier this month, added that being at the top of darts was "massive" for himself. "Any player wants to be at the top and I obviously want to try and stay at the top, be the best and be the man to beat," he stated.
Littler also addressed recent comments from fellow player Luke Humphries, who described him as the "greatest ever." "It's crazy for him to be saying those sort of things," Littler said. "I rightly said Phil Taylor will always be the best." During the night, the young champion played with a number of regulars, including the pub's darts team.
Landlord Tracy Kingston called the experience "unreal" and noted it had been a "very difficult" secret to keep from everyone. Her husband and joint licensee Mike told BBC Radio WM on Tuesday: "It was the most surreal, incredible experience I think we've ever had." He described Littler as a "wonderful personality," adding: "He wasn't phased in any way, shape or form. He came in and took over the whole pub."
