Luke Littler is ‘treated differently’ claim darts rivals who say it’s ‘not at all surprising’ following Grand Slam win

TWO rivals assertion it's "obvious" Luke Littler gets preferential treatment.

Dutch stars Vincent van der Voort and Gian van Veen spoke retired following the whizkid's debut glory successful the Grand Slam of Darts.

Littler, 17, has risen from No164 to No5 as only the 4th subordinate ever to win ten titles successful a PDC calendar year.

But earlier the Nuke's 16-3 triumph implicit Martin Lukeman successful the Slam final, determination was controversy in his last-16 occurrence implicit Mike De Decker.

The Netherlands ace was upset by the assemblage whistling astatine cardinal moments.

And helium was adjacent much frustrated referee Kirk Bevins refused to archer fans to curb specified behaviour.

There's nary suggestion Bevins' determination was thing to bash with Littler.

Indeed, the authoritative insisted warning the assemblage mightiness person whipped up their antics adjacent more.

However, Van der Voort and Van Veen judge it's "of people true" that Littler is handled extra well by darts chiefs.

VDV told the podcast Darts Draait Door: "If you look astatine what that lad brings successful in presumption of other sponsorship and money, you're treated differently."

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Van Veen, 22, agreed, saying: "I don't find that truthful unusual either - that the implicit apical is treated otherwise than the rest."

The Grand Slam quarter-finalist besides believes helium himself has benefited from amended attraction - but successful the second tier of darts, for players aged 16-23. 

He said: "On the Pro Tour I didn't, but connected the Development Tour I noticed it. 

"If, with each owed respect, a cipher is precocious to his job, helium gets taken retired of the tourney earlier I do. 

"They're going to look for maine 1 much time, that way. I could get much done connected the Development Tour, different darters astir apt won't."

Littler was a "nobody" successful presumption of nationalist illustration 12 months agone - present he's 1 of the astir celebrated sporting teenagers successful the world.

Whether that means helium gets peculiar handling - and whether that would beryllium close - are wholly antithetic questions.