Luke Littler shows true colours with six-word message to darts rival Chris Dobey

Luke Littler has hailed Chris Dobey after the pair’s epic showdown at the Players Championship 25.

The duo met at the semi-final stage in Wigan on Wednesday night. Littler stuttered in the opening stages as Dobey raced into a 5-2 lead and looked to be on the verge of victory. But the teenager rallied to level matters, sending the match to a decider. Dobey eventually got over the line to secure victory with a 150 checkout, with Little grimacing as he lined up his match-winning dart.

Dobey eventually went on to win the whole tournament as he defeated Stephen Bunting 8-3 in the final to secure his third title of the year. And Littler sent a message to his opponent after his defeat.

Sharing a video of his face ahead of Dobey’s winning dart, the 17-year-old wrote: "Face said it all. Fair play @Dobey180."

READ MORE: Phil Taylor on 'worst pain I've ever had' as darts icon issues health update

READ MORE: Darts star who was given five-year ban for match fixing lands first PDC title

Dobey also spoke following his success in Wigan. He said: "Confidence is key. I have won a couple of Players Championships already before today, and I know where I am in the Players Championship standings.

"Once I saw I was in that number one spot, I set myself the target of being there at the end, and it has given me the motivation to get on the practice board and start performing like this on a regular basis."

Littler could potentially be reunited with Dobey during next week’s World Grand Prix in Leicester. The youngster will take on Rob Cross in the opening round, while Dobey is set to clash with Joe Cullen.

Who will win the World Grand Prix darts? Share your predictions in the comments below

Littler has already been sent a message ahead of the tournament by Michael van Gerwen, who will entertain Daryl Gurney in the East Midlands. He has warned Littler that he still has plenty of work to do if he wants to replace him at the top of world darts.

Speaking last week, the Dutchman said: “I’ll definitely be there [among the best darts players in the world five years from now]. I’m not going to stop in five years, they’ll [Littler and Humphries] need to do really well to keep me off my position and if they want to win as many tournaments [as me] in five years.

"I can’t see that happening, but you never know. Nobody knew there was a kid from Holland coming on the block who made Phil Taylor retire, do you know what I mean? That’s how quickly it can go.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.