Luke Littler has hit back at social media critics following his Players Championship exit, reminding trolls that he's still earning money while they wait for his downfall.
The 18-year-old darts sensation was knocked out by Joe Cullen in the Last 32 stage in Wigan on Monday.
"Still earned a few quid today while these are sat at home charging their phones waiting for me to lose," Littler responded on Facebook after a fan defended him against online detractors.
Littler had started the day with promise, securing two victories before his exit from the tournament.
Luke Littler has hit back at social media critics following his Players Championship exit, reminding trolls that he's still earning money while they wait for his downfall
PA
He defeated Martin Lukeman 6-3 in a rematch of the Grand Slam final, averaging 87.31.
The teenage star then overcame Jim Long 6-4 with a 90 average.
However, his performance dipped in the match against Cullen, where he posted an average of just 87.81 en route to a 6-3 defeat.
Littler has previously admitted struggling for motivation in ProTour events, which are played without spectators.
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CULLEN SENDS LITTLER PACKING!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 10, 2025
The World Champion is OUT!
Joe Cullen delivers a stunning performance to beat the World Champion, hitting six maximums en route to a commanding 6-3 victory over Luke Littler, securing his place in the next round.
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8#PC1 pic.twitter.com/ed4XxLU4RY
Social media reaction to Littler's performance was mixed, with critics quick to highlight his dip in form.
"Littler has been off all day and done well to get as far as he as," wrote one fan.
Another commented: "Same old story they win the big one and then seem to lose the zest for a while."
However, supporters rushed to his defence, with one fan stating: "Sick of seeing loads of bulls**t comment on Littler saying hes been awful past few weeks like f***ing hell is he not allowed to have a couple of bad games."
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"He lost a game of darts relax," added another.
The contrast in Littler's form was highlighted by his recent Premier League performance in Belfast against Michael van Gerwen.
Despite losing the match, he recorded the second-highest losing average in Premier League history with 113.91.
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Littler now looks ahead to Players Championship 2 tomorrow in Wigan.
He will then face Rob Cross in the Premier League at Glasgow's OVO Hydro on Thursday night, where he aims to kickstart his campaign as reigning champion.
Since becoming world champion in January, Littler has struggled to maintain consistent tournament success.
Luke Littler lost to Joe Cullen in the Players Championship on Monday
PA
He reached the quarter-finals at the Bahrain Masters before progressing to the semi-finals at the Dutch Masters.
His run at the World Masters in Milton Keynes ended with Jonny Clayton defeating him in the quarter-finals.
The teenage star has yet to win more than two matches in a single tournament since his World Championship triumph over Van Gerwen.
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