Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has finally broken his silence over the controversy surrounding last month’s Manchester Masters exhibition, revealing that he has still not spoken to rival Gian van Veen following a heated backstage altercation.
The 17-year-old world champion, who has taken the sport by storm over the past 12 months, was widely reported to have been involved in a tense exchange with the Dutch rising star after their quarter-final clash. Eyewitnesses claimed the pair had to be separated by PDC officials following a dispute over what Littler described as “gamesmanship” during the deciding leg.
Speaking exclusively to The Darts Show on Saturday, Littler admitted the incident has left a sour taste — and that any efforts to clear the air have so far been ignored.
“I’ve not spoken to Gian since that night in Manchester,” Littler said. “Not a text, not a call, nothing. Look, what happens on stage stays on stage for me, but there were things said afterwards that crossed a line. I’ve tried to move on, but it’s difficult when the other guy won’t even acknowledge it happened.”
The fallout has divided opinion among darts veterans. While some have called on the PDC to mediate a peace meeting, others argue that the sport’s traditional camaraderie has been replaced by a new generation of fierce — and sometimes personal — rivalries.
Littler, who has remained focused on his preparation for the upcoming Premier League night in Belfast, insisted he isn’t dwelling on the silence. “I’m only 17. I’ve got bigger things to worry about — winning titles, performing for the fans,” he said. “If Gian wants to talk, he knows where to find me. Until then, I’ll just let my darts do the talking.”
Van Veen has yet to comment publicly on the matter, though his management team confirmed to PDC News that the 21-year-old is “fully focused on his own schedule” and considers the issue “closed.”
With the two young stars potentially set to meet again in next month’s UK Open, the Manchester fallout remains far from resolved — and fans may be in for an explosive rematch.
