Luke Littler admits rejecting Stephen Bunting special request ahead of World Darts Championship clash
WATCH NOW: GB News sport round-up
Luke Littler has revealed he turned down practice sessions with Stephen Bunting ahead of the World Darts Championship, with the pair now set to face each other in tonight's Alexandra Palace semi-final.
The teenage sensation and Bunting, who are both stablemates with darts manufacturer Target, will battle for a place in the final after their respective victories over Nathan Aspinall and Peter Wright in Wednesday's quarter-finals.
Speaking after his quarter-final victory over Wright, Bunting revealed the practice sessions never materialised.
"No, he didn't ring me!" Bunting joked. "I think Luke is obviously set in his own ways.
"His dad did speak to me about practice and stuff, but for one thing or another it didn't happen."
The 39-year-old had previously discussed plans to practice with both Littler and reigning champion Luke Humphries before the tournament, with only the latter taking place.
Littler addressed the declined practice offer in his post-match press conference after defeating Aspinall.
"He practiced with Luke [Humphries]," he said.
"I wouldn't say I ignored him, but I just wanted to do my own practice at home.
JUST IN:Peter Wright and wife 'angry' with Michael van Gerwen after questioning marriage
The decision appears to have suited Littler's preparation style, with the 17-year-old previously noting he spends only about 20 minutes a day on the practice board, often combining his dartboard time with playing Xbox and socialising with friends.
Despite the declined practice sessions, both players have expressed strong mutual respect for each other ahead of their clash.
READ MORE:Rangers star rushed to hospital days after becoming a father
Stephen Bunting is a fan favourite at the Ally Pally
PA
"I've got a lot of respect for him and his family, everything he's done for our sport, he's elevated it to another level," said Bunting.
The St Helens veteran praised Littler's adaptability to the big stage, adding: "I thought he would have struggled with a lot of the big venues that we play in and he's took to it like a duck to water."
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Luke Littler is the favourite to win the World Darts Championship
Reuters
The two players have met twice before, both times in the 2024 Players Championship, sharing the spoils in tight contests.
Littler claimed an 8-7 victory in their first encounter, before Bunting edged their second meeting 7-6 just two weeks later.
Both players have already secured £100,000 for reaching the final four at Alexandra Palace, with tonight's winner moving one step closer to claiming the prestigious World Championship title.
You may like
