Luke Littler is preparing to represent England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, despite anticipating a hostile reception from German crowds.
The 18-year-old darts sensation will partner with world No 1 Luke Humphries as they defend England's title at the Eissporthalle.
The teenage prodigy previously faced backlash from German spectators during a tournament in Munich earlier this year.
Following jeers and a chilly crowd response during his semi-final defeat to Gian van Veen at the German Darts Grand Prix, Littler had suggested he might boycott Germany for six months.
Luke Littler is preparing to represent England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, despite anticipating a hostile reception from German crowds
REUTERS
However, the youngster has now declared himself ready to face any negativity and channel it into a positive performance.
Littler acknowledged his frustration following the Munich incident, admitting: "I wouldn't say it's upset me but I would say I was obviously a bit angry (at the way I played)."
The darts star revealed he had followed Gerwyn Price's approach to dealing with crowd hostility.
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Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will team up at the World Cup of Darts
REUTERS
"I did what Gerwyn Price always does - go on Instagram, have a bit of a moan and take it down half an hour later," he said.
He recognised the impact of his social media presence, noting: "Obviously for myself, with so many followers on social media, so many people see it before you delete it."
Despite the previous negativity, Littler insisted he is prepared for whatever reception awaits him in Frankfurt this week.
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Humphries has pledged to shield his younger teammate from any crowd hostility in Germany. The world No 1 expressed surprise at the shift in German fans' behaviour towards English players.
"The only bad one last year was in Hildesheim against Peter Wright. I think I was 5-2 up and lost 8-5," Littler recalled.
"Obviously, as soon as your beating the crowd favourite, that is when they don't start to like you.
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"I've no idea what it will feel like to wear an England shirt. I'm sure me and Luke are ready for it."
The expanded 40-nation tournament begins today, with top seeds England entering in the second round.
Littler and Humphries aim to replicate last year's success when the latter partnered Michael Smith to secure a 10-6 victory over Austria in the final.
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are two of the best darts players in the world
reuters
England are seeking their sixth World Cup title in 15 years. The nation's previous four victories came courtesy of Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis, who established a period of dominance by winning the tournament four times in five years between 2012 and 2016.
Littler expressed his determination to help England retain the trophy, stating: "I'm sure he'll want to go back-to-back and for myself I want to win it on debut just as much as Luke wants to retain it."
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