Darts star called out for 'weird' behaviour towards Luke Littler at World Championship
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Darts star Dave Chisnall has criticised Stephen Bunting, accusing him of being too respectful to Luke Littler during the recent World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Littler became the youngest world champion in history with an emphatic 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final earlier this month.
On his way to the final, the teenager dismantled Bunting - with the 39-year-old thrashed 6-1 by his young rival.
During the match, Bunting could be seen fist-bumping Littler. Yet Chisnall was unhappy with that, insisting he found it 'weird'.
Darts star Luke Littler beat Michael van Gerwen to win the World Darts Championship earlier this month
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Writing for Kwiff, he said: "The one big disappointment of the semi-finals was my pal Stephen Bunting.
"He was phenomenal in the first set, but will have been gutted to lose it 3-2, despite the high averages.
"I’m not one for gamesmanship and you won’t hear me slagging folk off, but I did think the fist bumps after every set was a bit weird.
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"It was noticeable that Michael (Van Gerwen) was having none of it in the final!
"He looked to be getting back to his best during the Worlds, which will be a worry for most of us other lads on tour.
"He missed too many doubles in the final, but he’ll be back. There aren’t too many folk three-time World Champion in their 30s."
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Littler has propelled darts into the mainstream, with the sport growing in popularity ever since he burst onto the scene 12 months ago.
He has played the sport ever since he can remember and is widely expected to dominate in the coming years ahead.
And Chisnall has only positive things to say about Littler, with the 44-year-old adding: "Luke Littler continues to take the darting world by storm, and hats off to the kid – it’s an incredible achievement to be World Champion whilst just a teenager.
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Darts star Dave Chisnall has criticised Stephen Bunting, accusing him of being too respectful to Luke Littler during the recent World Championship at Alexandra Palace
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"A lot of those who say he’s a prodigy and born talented etc won’t know just how much work has been put in during this 17 years on this planet – I’ve seen the videos of him chucking in his nappies as a toddler!
"He knocked me out of The UK Open back in March, when I should have been home and hosed at the first break.
"I went in 3-2 up and he came back and rolled off 5 on the spin before eventually winning the game 10-5.
Darts star Dave Chisnall has nothing but positive things to say about Luke Littler
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"You don’t need me to tell you how good he is, and he’s a phenomenal talent.
"I just hope the media don’t go overboard like they have been – he’s a 17 year old at the end of the day and he doesn’t need all the added stresses and pressure.
"Fingers crossed for him though, he is a special player!"
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