World Darts Championship pundit Wayne Mardle was left raging at a social media user after they complained about his praise for 16-year-old Luke Littler at the World Darts Championship.
Littler has taken Alexandra Palace by storm with the teenager playing like a seasoned pro in his debut earlier this week.
There was already some excitement about his inclusion in the draw, but he's exceeded all expectations since going up the oche at Alexandra Palace.
There were some clear nerves when he first walked up for his opening match of the tournament on Wednesday, but he quickly settled into his own rhythm to record an astonishing victory with a tournament-high average of 106.12.
LITTLER HAS DONE IT AGAIN!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 21, 2023
Luke Littler wins his second game on the Ally Pally stage in as many days as he defeats Andrew Gilding 3-1!
The 16-year-old is into round three!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R2 pic.twitter.com/9NDucg701P
That performance caught the attention of every darts fan up and down the country with sports legend Phil Taylor quickly tipping the teenager to win the whole thing.
Mardle was also among those who were hugely impressed by the teenager's debut and said Littler was probably "most naturally talented player" he had ever seen.
Most people agreed with Mardle's remark, but one user on X took exception to the idea Litter's talents were God-given.
Mardle's post was called "disrespectful", and that riled up the Sky Sports pundit hugely."Wow," he replied.
"Anyone can be offended at anything can’t they.
"Get a grip. His throw is natural and not contrived or robotic. It’s natural. Of course he’s practiced a lot, they all have."
The post was still on Mardle's mind later in the day as he wrote: "I’m absolutely raging at that twonk.
"I need to go for a walk. Laters you lot."
It was still on the former PDC star's mind the following day ahead of Thursday's afternoon session.
Luke Littler is garnering plenty of attention
PA
"Someone became offended, and told me I was being 'disrespectful' for calling a player naturally talented," Mardle added.
"I'm currently shaking my head so violently I fear it'll fall off."
Littler was back in action later that evening for his second match of the tournament and continued from where he left off the night before.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Luke Littler is now through to the third round
PA
He faced a much tougher test in UK Open champion Andrew Gilding and Littler was unable to reach the same heights of his first-round match.
However, Littler still had enough to see off his experienced opponent to send the Alexandra Palace into raptures.
He's now through to the third round where he will face Canadian Matt Campbell, who pulled off a shock win over James Wade.