‘Working on Luke Littler matches is like trying to master a computer game – I love it’

‘Working on Luke Littler matches is like trying to master a computer game – I love it’

Luke Littler loves a computer game. But trying to keep up with the Nuke during one of his whirlwind performances is like trying to master one for Richard Ashdown.

Ashdown is a spotter for Sky Sports. With a direct line to the director, he ensures the camera is pointing at the correct double at the right time. It’s a crucial and increasingly challenging job due to the speed which many darts players throw these days.

But it’s a challenge self-confessed darts anorak Ashdown relishes, even if Littler constantly keeps him guessing. He said: “Something I particularly enjoy about spotting for Luke Littler is, even though he goes some strange ways, they’re not the same ways.

“He will change things in matches. You’ll see him attempt a certain checkout with a certain method. Then, a few legs later, he’ll need the same checkout in the same scenario but will go another way.

“A lot of top players who are quick are similar – Michael Smith, Michael van Gerwen, Dirk van Duijvenbode. They go with feeling in that moment – ‘do I fancy leaving this double?’

“Luke thinks on his feet, leg by leg. Even with a nine-dart finish attempt, you’re never quite sure which way he will go. Will he go treble 19, double 12 with the last two darts? Or will he go treble 17 for double 15, which is rare but is often his chosen route for 81?

“The best way I can describe it is it’s like playing your favourite computer game, and you’re going up in levels. You enjoy it more the harder it gets.

“When I did the Luke vs Luke [Humphries] World Championship final [in 2024], it was a brilliant match in terms of standard, but it was also a lot of fun for myself, trying to keep up and getting calls in time to the director and the camera operator, so everyone can see all the darts, which is the job we do. I love it, bring it on.”

GET INVOLVED! How many world titles will Littler win? Tell us in the comments section.

Littler’s novel approach is already influencing the next generation of players, according to Ashdown, who was a handy player in his youth before turning to refereeing and spotting.

“The game has evolved in two ways,” he explained. “One is the method, using the dartboard. The other way is the speed in which they do it.

“You’re now seeing kids who are 13 or 14, who are playing in JDC [Junior Darts Corporation], using the board and thinking about their shots when they’re still in the 300s. Luke Littler has been a real trailblazer for this.”

Ashdown was the referee for ITV ’s reboot of Bullseye, which aired over Christmas, with Littler making a guest appearance. The iconic show may not have been revived without the Nuke’s impact.

“In terms of the excitement all around, it’s been magnificent,” said Ashdown on darts’ recent growth. “From my own seat, the job remains the same but there is that nagging thought in the back of your mind that more people are watching than ever before.

“We all know about the media attention and within a year it’s already become a legacy thing, with the interest of so many more youngsters. All of the darts retailers and manufacturers are running out if stock, the main dartboards and kids’ magnetic ones.

“I’ve really felt a change in our sport. More people ask me about it now. There’s just so much more interest.”

Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories

Source URL