LUKE LITTLER is looking “vulnerable” on the oche in recent weeks, according to ex-player Matt Edgar.
The World No2 was beaten 11-7 by Michael van Gerwen in the World Series of Darts Finals decider earlier this month as the Dutchman scooped a record SIXTH crown.
The Nuke suffered a shock 7-4 semi-final defeat to Danny Noppert at the Hungarian Darts Trophy on Sunday – missing 16 darts at a double and averaging just 92.79.
Former pro Edgar believes Littler is over-relying on big finishes instead of taking control of the game and that’s why he faltered against three-time world champion MVG.
He said on the Mission Darts Podcast: “It was near enough the impossible task, but, you know, he fell quite early on that hurdle.
“Do you know what? This may sound weird for someone who’s as dominant in the sport as Luke is, but does he feel a bit vulnerable at times?
“It feels like he has to take out that big finish, that 120 in the opening game.
“It feels like a big moment that he has to pull off, and if he doesn’t, he looks quite vulnerable.”
Ex-player Andy Cornwall says Littler is concentrating too hard on stage and losing his natural rhythm.
He added: “I watched quite a bit of it, and I thought he was concentrating too hard.
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“That’s not his normal game. He’s normally laughing, and [thinking] I’m going to hit everything, and I could see it in his face.
“He was like extra hard concentrating, and I thought, that’s not really helping you because he’s such a flowing, relaxed player.
“But let’s not take anything away from MVG.”
Warrington thrower Littler has already won the World Championship, UK Open and Matchplay titles to cap off a brilliant 2025 campaign.
Littler returns to action this Saturday at the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel on the Euro Tour.
