URGENT UPDATE: Darts sensation Luke Littler faced an unexpected and bizarre disruption during the PDC World Darts Championship final on January 3, 2024. The 18-year-old from Warrington was forced to dodge a wasp on stage, providing a moment of levity in his match against Dutch player Gian van Veen.
As the championship unfolded at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London, Littler was leading the match 3-1 in sets when the insect swooped in. In a comical display, Littler ducked and swerved to evade the wasp, showcasing both his agility and humor in the spotlight. The audience erupted with laughter, with Sky Sports commentator John Part quipping, “What would an Ally Pally final be without a wasp?!”
The incident highlights the ongoing saga of the infamous “Ally Pally wasp,” which has become a recurring character in the tournament. Fans have witnessed similar disruptions in previous matches, with wasps interrupting players’ throws and even crashing post-match interviews. Last month, BBC reported the wasp’s return, noting its increasing presence during the championship.
Earlier in the tournament, Littler himself had to dodge a wasp after his first-round victory. The insect even interfered with a dart thrown by player Nitin Kumar, getting struck mid-flight. In a bid to combat the pesky insects, player Jurjen van der Velde was spotted bringing bug spray on stage ahead of his match against Danny Noppert. Meanwhile, in 2023, Ross Smith was stung three times during a match.
With the championship heating up, fans have even taken to singing, “Stand up, if you love the wasp,” during matches, adding a unique charm to the event. The atmosphere remains electric as Littler seeks to defend his title against van Veen.
As the match continues, all eyes are on the stage to see if Littler can maintain his focus amidst the buzzing distractions. Fans and spectators are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this unusual yet thrilling championship final.
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