During his match against Gerwyn Price at the Bahrain Masters, darts sensation Luke Littler made a highly unusual move: he ditched his brand-new prototype darts mid-game, reverting to his trusted old set. This surprising decision, which drew comparisons to Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright, came after his new darts, despite a promising practice session, failed to deliver on the big stage. Littler ultimately lost the match, sparking questions about his equipment, but experts suggest this was likely a temporary adjustment issue rather than a deeper problem for the young star.
The Unforgettable Mid-Match Switch
The Bahrain Masters witnessed a truly bizarre moment when darts prodigy Luke Littler, affectionately known as ‘The Nuke,’ found himself struggling against the formidable Gerwyn Price. Trailing 6-2, in a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Littler did something rarely seen at this level: he abandoned his newly introduced prototype darts and reached for his familiar, battle-tested set.
This dramatic change immediately drew attention, not least because it mirrored the controversial habits of two-time world champion Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright, who is notorious for changing his darts during matches.
Why the Sudden Change? Littler’s Own Words
Littler himself shed light on the decision, explaining his initial optimism about the new equipment: ‘With the new darts I threw a nine-darter within the space of 25 minutes. So I thought I’d give them a go tonight and they went pretty well.’
However, the pressure of a televised game proved different. Despite his impressive practice performance, the new darts simply weren’t delivering when it mattered most. His switch was a pragmatic, albeit bold, move born out of frustration and a desire to regain control of his game.
A Nod to ‘Snakebite’ Wright – But With a Difference
The comparison to Peter Wright is inevitable. ‘Snakebite’ has built a reputation, and indeed won two world championships, while frequently swapping his darts mid-match. Many observers believe this habit is detrimental, yet Wright’s success speaks for itself. However, Littler’s reasons for the switch were fundamentally different.
While Wright often experiments with new setups for tactical or psychological reasons, Littler’s move was a direct response to a lack of performance from a specific new set of darts that were meant to mark a ‘new era’ with his manufacturer, Target. This raises questions for Target, as the discarded set was presumably custom-made for their rising star.
Beyond the Headlines: A Temporary Blip?
Despite the flurry of speculation on social media, it’s crucial not to overstate the significance of this event. New darts, especially prototype models, often require a considerable adjustment period. It’s not uncommon for players to take time to fully adapt to new equipment.
Littler’s decision to revert to his old darts, while unsuccessful in saving that particular match, simply reflects a player seeking comfort and confidence. This loss to Price was his first competitive defeat since November, highlighting just how rare such an outcome has been for ‘The Nuke.’ Target, his sponsor, will undoubtedly be working closely with him to fine-tune his equipment, ensuring he finds a setup that consistently performs at his elite level.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
