Luke Littler has reversed his decision to skip events in Germany, confirming he will partner with Luke Humphries at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt next month, it has been claimed.
The teenage darts sensation had previously vowed not to return to Germany until later in the year after being booed at a European Tour event in Munich.
The U-turn comes as a disappointment to Stephen Bunting, who had hoped to represent England in Littler's absence.
Littler had made his feelings clear after the Munich event last month, where he was eliminated in the semi-finals by Gian van Veen.
Luke Littler looks set to play at the World Cup this year
PA
Following the hostile reception, he posted on social media: "Shouldn't have been in Munich but had to play anyway, next one in Germany for me is Dortmund [in October] and I am glad to say that."
The World Cup of Darts begins on June 12 in Frankfurt, well before Littler's self-imposed German hiatus was meant to end.
Bunting, who ranks next in the PDC Order of Merit behind world No. 1 Humphries and No. 2 Littler, had interpreted Littler's message as an opportunity for himself.
"He's put a few posts on socials about not going back to Germany. Well, if he doesn't go back to Germany, that means I'm in the World Cup, doesn't it?" Bunting had said.
The 40-year-old's hopes of representing England have now been dashed by Littler's change of heart.
Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke has confirmed Littler's intention to compete in Germany.
"[Littler] is going to play the World Cup of Darts. You heard it here first," Pyke told Sky Sports.
"He is definitely going to play with Luke Humphries representing England in the middle of June.
"The reason he's pulled out of this weekend's Euro Tour is scheduling, nothing less. It's all a bit of fuss out of nothing. He said something, he didn't mean it."
Luke Littler has not had the best of times in Germany
Pa
Littler and Bunting maintain a good relationship away from the oche, but have engaged in friendly banter in recent weeks.
'The Nuke' is an outspoken Manchester United supporter who has enjoyed needling Liverpool fans - Bunting's team - about football matters.
This rivalry led to Littler receiving a hostile reception when Premier League Darts visited Liverpool last week.
Bunting, meanwhile, was welcomed as a hero by his hometown crowd.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Luke Littler took to Instagram to indicate that he might boycott future German eventsInstagramThe pair had another opportunity to settle their differences on the Premier League stage in Birmingham on Thursday night.
It was Littler who secured bragging rights in their latest encounter.
'The Nuke' came away with a 6-4 victory over Bunting in their quarter-final match.
This win further fuels their friendly rivalry that has become a talking point both on and off the oche.
