Luke Littler has responded after being brutally booed at the Dutch Masters, making it clear he has no issue with receiving such hostile treatment.
The 17-year-old made light work of Dirk van Duijvenbode in the Netherlands on Friday, winning 6-2 to book his place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Littler will now lock horns with Luke Humphries, who beat the teenager in the final of the World Darts Championship at the start of the month.
Prior to his victory over Van Duijvenbode, those in attendance in Den Bosch opted to boo Littler.
Luke Littler has no issue with being booed as the teenager eyes more darts glory at the Dutch Masters
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The youngster didn't seem too fazed by the hostile reception and playfully cupped his ears in response.
And Littler, speaking after his win, made it clear he has no issue with being booed - and admits it's something he needs to 'get used to'.
"They were booing me tonight though," he said when told of how many fans are in his corner.
"Well I was playing a Dutch player on his home turf so I kind of need to get used to it."
Littler has been compared to another Dutchman in Michael van Gerwen following his brilliant performances so far.
And the teenager, while flattered, has played down comparisons between the pair.
"I don't really look at what Michael did when he was 16/17 but I know I've I done a lot," he said.
"I've played at the PDC Worlds played at WDF Worlds, got to the fourth round at the UK Open, numerous other Youth and WDF titles and then Development Tour titles.
"So I just don't really look at it. I know what I've done and it's a new year this year."
Littler was beaten by Humphries earlier this month and the pair will do battle again on Saturday night.
Many wanted the youngster to beat the 28-year-old at Alexandra Palace in the final of the World Championship.
But Humphries upset the crowd by throwing his way to victory, showing why he's No 1 in the world in the process.
And Gerwyn Price says he feels sorry for Humphries because of how Littler has stolen his thunder.
"I feel a little bit sorry or the other Luke if I'm honest with you," he said after his own victory over Dimitri Van den Bergh.
"As good as Luke Littler is and the support he deserves, it kind of dampens Luke Humphries being world champion and winning four majors."
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Luke Littler was too strong for Dirk van Duijvenbode at the Dutch Masters on Friday
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As Littler looks to win a second senior title following his recent victory in Bahrain, he'll be cheered on by girlfriend Eloise Milburn.
Eloise is an amateur darts player herself and has been supporting her boyfriend while staying behind in the UK.
The couple have faced criticism due to their age gap, however.
Eloise is four years older than Littler at the age of 21, with trolls online targeting the beauty consultant as a result.
But Littler insists the hate won't bother the couple because they're so happy with each other.
Luke Littler will lock horns with Luke Humphries at the Dutch Masters on Saturday night
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"We knew people would find out [about their relationship] but it started off very bad," he said.
"As the weeks go on [the abuse of Milburn on social media] has been almost forgotten.
"We’ve been talking for a few months now.
"I’ve brung her along to the worlds, got to the final and whatever people say, they can say it.
"It’s not going to affect me or my mental strength.
"I’ve got guys doing my Instagram now and they delete it before I see it."
