Luke Littler falls to Andrew Gilding in European Championship again

Luke Littler, a rising star in professional darts, continued his troubling streak at the European Championship held on October 26, 2024, by losing to Andrew Gilding in the first round. The young player, who gained fame after impressing audiences in the World Darts Championship, has now been eliminated in the first round of three consecutive televised tournaments, including the World Matchplay in Blackpool and the World Grand Prix in Leicester earlier in 2024. This series of early exits is a stark contrast to the high expectations that have followed Littler since he burst onto the scene last Christmas. Gilding, who previously worked as a butcher in Suffolk before transitioning to a darts professional, took an early lead in the match. Despite Littler's attempts to level the score twice, it was Gilding who maintained control to secure victory. Reflecting on the win, Gilding mentioned he was not expecting to come out on top, especially considering Littler's recent performances, which have been characterized as exceptional. As the tournament progresses, observers are beginning to wonder whether the mounting pressure and expectations are affecting Littler's performance. After just a year at the top level of his sport, the young player is already under intense scrutiny, leading some to speculate about his ability to cope with the expectations that come with his rapid ascent. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has acknowledged this phenomenon, stating they are planning to expand future tournaments, which may further heighten competitive pressure on players like Littler, regardless of their burgeoning talent.