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Luke Littler makes cheeky Stephen Bunting dig after World Darts Championship exit

Luke Littler took a cheeky pop at Stephen Bunting after The Bullet was dumped out of the World Championship in the third round by world No.63 James Hurrell

[Luke Littler]

Luke Littler made a cheeky dig at Stephen Bunting

Luke Littler took a cheeky dig at Stephen Bunting after his World Darts Championship exit.

The Bullet was dumped out at Ally Pally by world No.63 James Hurrell in a seven-set clash that went the distance on Saturday night. Liverpool ace Bunting entered the match as the strong favourite, but the world No.4 was deservedly beaten by The Hillbilly.

Bunting averaged just 91.42 in the match, compared to Hurrells 98.48. The 2025 semi-finalist also only checked out 38.71% of his doubles, with Hurrell achieving a success rate of 43.9% on the outer ring. And teen prodigy Littler has now commented on the upset.

[Stephen Bunting of England looks dejected as he leaves the stage after defeat to James Hurrell]

Stephen Bunting made a surprise exit at the World Darts Championship in round three(Image: (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images))

Later in the night, Littler made lightwork of veteran Mensur Suljovic, beating the Austrian 4-0 and averaging a huge 107.09 in the process. Speaking to the press after his victory, Littler quipped that The Luke Littler effect is having a bigger impact on the tournament than Buntings support, with the St Helens thrower dubbed The Peoples Champion.

The 18-year-old, from Warrington, said: Obviously, the Luke Littler effect is still going strong in this tournament. I dont think the Bunting effect is going too well this tournament. So, yeah, maybe Ive got the biggest fanbase. I had to say that, sorry!

Littler also took aim at players who give it large when they hold their throw. In what some fans have called a dig at Gerwyn Price.

[Luke Littler of England celebrates against Mensur Suljovic of Austria]

Luke Littler was in fine form against Mensur Suljovic(Image: (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images))

The Nuke and Bunting have a good relationship away from the oche with the two stars some of the most popular players on tour and biggest draw for crowds. Their fame is partly behind the reason why the prize money for the winner at Ally Pally this year has been increased to 1million.

The reigning champion added: Its increased because us players are getting better. Its certainly not all mine. Everyone is getting into the darts, more tickets are being sold, people are tuning in at home. Darts is just getting bigger and bigger, theres no stopping it.

Everyone talks about the million quid but its all about going back-to-back, then you can focus on the money. Ive never been about the money, its all about the titles.

Littler will play 2018 world champ Rob Cross in the fourth round after Voltage whitewashed Damon Heta in the third round on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Hurrell will face Ryan Searle in the next round, who also put in an imperious performance to beat Martin Schindler 4-0 on Sunday.

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