Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler mockingly made crying gestures towards a hostile Leeds crowd after they booed him during night 14 of the Premier League Darts season.
The 18-year-old world champion responded to the jeers after hitting a crucial double 10 to level his quarter-final match against Nathan Aspinall at 4-4.
Littler, who has already qualified for the play-offs, wasn't expecting a warm welcome in Leeds as a vocal Manchester United supporter.
After successfully landing his famously favourite double, Littler turned to the booing crowd and mimicked crying, poking fun at rival Leeds fans, who were in good spirits after their own team's successes last week. He followed this up by turning back to face the spectators once more, pulling an exaggerated sad face to further antagonise the crowd.
Luke Littler mocked local fans during his walkout, as well as at the oche
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The incident came at a crucial moment in the match, with Aspinall having missed several darts at double that would have put him 5-3 ahead in the race to six legs.
Littler's mockery of the crowd showed his growing confidence as he continues to take the darts world by storm.
His gesture would later backfire slightly when he fluffed a leg and pointed to himself, mimicking the same crying gesture in self-deprecation.
Despite the hostile reception, Littler remained in control of the match and went on to secure his 11th consecutive victory over Aspinall.
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Luke Littler looked comfortable on the night, but just fell short of a record sixth nightly win
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Littler's evening wasn't entirely triumphant, however, as he ultimately lost the final to home favourite Luke Humphries.
The Leeds crowd naturally rallied behind Humphries, who sported a special Leeds shirt for the evening in which he played in the city of his beloved football club, adding to the challenging atmosphere for the young Manchester United supporter.
Despite the final defeat, Littler's overall performance on the night further cemented his position at the top of the Premier League table, as he aims to retain the title.
The teenager had made it clear before the event that he was targeting the top spot to secure the first semi-final slot at finals night at London's O2 Arena in three weeks' time.
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This approach would give him extra preparation time for a potential final later in the evening.
Speaking about his response to the fans, Littler said: "It depends on how the fans react, but like the thing in Newcastle and Liverpool, I will always give it back to them.
"I don't want to say I have secured top spot yet in the Premier League. I will just relax these next few weeks. I don't have to perform to any high standard. Just cruise my way into the O2."
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Luke Littler looked to be 'cruising' on the night
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Littler added: "Am I dangerous because I'm relaxed? We will have to see."
Humphries, who is second in the table behind Littler, does have a small chance of pipping the 18-year-old to top spot. However he is still seven points behind him.
With the pair in this form, it would be hard to envisage Littler dropping so many points in the remaining two weeks.
Littler doubled down on his desire to remain calm before he has confirmed first place: "Last year I secured top spot with quite a few weeks left. Right now, I have not secured it mathematically."
His confidence in responding to hostile crowds reflects his growing stature in the sport despite his young age, but the reigning World and Premier League champion has the trophy cabinet to support it.
