World champion Luke Littler has come under fire for his conduct during a tense opening match at the Australian Darts Masters, where he scraped past New Zealand's Haupai Puha 6-5 in a final-leg decider.
The teenager sparked controversy in the eleventh leg when he deliberately targeted single one rather than completing a maximum score, leaving himself 170 for a potential 'Big Fish' checkout.
The tactical decision backfired when Littler missed the crucial bullseye, allowing Puha to force a deciding leg.
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Luke Littler deliberately hit a one on his final shot to set up the Big Fish, with some calling his actions 'disrespectful'
|ITV
Social media erupted with criticism, as fans branded the move disrespectful to his opponent in what proved a challenging encounter for the recently crowned World Matchplay champion.
The incident occurred with Littler needing 291 points during his visit in the penultimate leg. After hitting two treble 20s, spectators anticipated a third dart would complete the 180, but the world champion instead aimed for single one.
This deliberate strategy would have left him 170, setting up an opportunity for the prestigious 'Big Fish' finish.
However, his final dart narrowly missed the bullseye, failing to secure the checkout.
The world number 94 capitalised on this missed opportunity, levelling the match at 5-5 despite having trailed earlier in the contest that saw him lead twice throughout the eleven legs.
Fans took to social media platform X to express their displeasure at the tactic. User @Wim_NL180 posted: "Single 1 on 171 on purpose to leave 170 is just disrespectful towards your opponent imo."
Another critic, @danstapleton89, agreed: "Absolutely. I understand it's a glorified exhibition but Haupai is a tour card holder and this comp will mean a lot to him due to where it's being held."
@DanJones3142 questioned those defending the world champion: "How are people defending this? He's playing professional darts and it's obviously not playing to the best of your ability."
When questioned about the controversial move afterwards, Littler appeared uncertain about his decision.
He said: "I don't even know. I think just for myself. Obviously, at that point, I was 5-4 up.
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Luke Littler's opponent Haupai Puha gave a little grin to acknowledge the Nuke's efforts
|ITV
"Maybe I should have tried to hit the 180 because I knew Haupai had the darts in the last leg.
"But I just felt I'd try and leave it and finish it. If not, I'd have to break the throw in the last leg."
The world champion acknowledged his subpar performance, revealing inadequate preparation had affected his game.
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PUHA FORCES A DECIDER!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) August 8, 2025
We're going all the way here in Wollongong!
Littler misses the bull for a spectacular 170 to clinch victory, and now Haupai Puha is throwing for a memorable win!
📺 https://t.co/U8UQyLElGN#AusMasters | R1 pic.twitter.com/X0arWcpirk
"It wasn't the best from myself, but that's what happens in the first game," he told ITV X.
"I had to grind it out, I'll be honest, not much practice has been put in, people don't see behind the scenes, body clock, not sleeping, it has an effect."
Littler now faces a challenging quarter-final against Australian favourite Damon Heta on Saturday.