Lazy, Lethal and Loving It: Luke Littler’s No-Practice Path to Another World Semi

It may be a new year, but for reigning world champion Luke Littler, nothing has changed when it comes to his habits as he booked his place in a third consecutive World Darts Championship semi-final.

The 18-year-old showed no mercy to Krzysztof Ratajski on the Pole’s 49th birthday, dismantling the Polish Eagle 5-0 in sets with another ton-plus average at Alexandra Palace.

The win was almost effortless for ‘The Nuke’, who once again underlined why he remains the man to beat in the sport.

No Practice, No Problem

Remarkably, Littler revealed post-match that he hadn’t even picked up his darts in the three days since his previous game on December 29.

Despite attempting to tweak his throw due to the lack of practice, Littler admitted he was simply relieved to come through the contest unscathed.

“I’ve not been practising for nearly two to three days. I tried to change my throw here, there and everywhere. But most importantly I got the job done,” Littler said post-match.

A Superstition That Keeps Paying Off

While the tournament is taking place in London, Littler has been staying with his family in a rental house, and, just like last year, he hasn’t even brought a practice board with him.

It may sound unusual, but the approach mirrors the routine he followed during his maiden world title triumph in 2025, and he is reluctant to change anything now.

“I’ve been lazy in the house. I should have brought a board down.”

“It worked well last year. We stayed in a house last year, and it worked.

"Against [Luke] Humphries in the first one, we were in the Hilton, the players hotel with dartboards. Last year, house with no dartboards I won it. This year, no board, we’ll see what happens.”

With another final within touching distance, Littler will be hoping history repeats itself.

Handling the Ally Pally Crowd

Attention then turned to how Littler prepared for a potentially hostile Alexandra Palace atmosphere, following his tense quarter-final clash with Rob Cross.

During that match, sections of the crowd turned against him, and the teenager admitted he didn’t respond particularly well in the moment.

"I'm not bothered [by the booing]. Really not bothered. You guys pay for tickets, and you pay for my prize so thanks for booing me," the 18-year-old told Sky Sports following his victory.

Asked whether that experience changed his mindset heading into this encounter with Ratajski, Littler insisted he wasn’t expecting another frosty reception.

"Not really,” he answered. 

“It’s a new year, first day of the year. There was a few boos here and there but as soon as I got on the stage, the crowd was absolutely unbelievable.”

"As soon as I got onto the stage, I clapped everyone to let them know I want them on my side again.”

“They were on my side tonight and I got the job done, so hopefully it’s the same again tomorrow [in the semi-final].”

A Lesson Learned

While Littler cruised through this contest, he believes the Cross match may prove pivotal in his long-term development.

Rather than dwelling on the negativity, the world champion sees it as a valuable learning experience that will help him cope with similar situations in the future.

“I don't think it does. I’m growing as a player mentally, and I think that Rob Cross game definitely tested me. But I got through it, and in future games, I’ll know how to deal with it and get past it.”

With his confidence intact, his routine unchanged and another semi-final looming, Littler looks every inch a champion ready to go again.