Dutch darts player Vincent van der Voort has urged competitors of rising star Luke Littler to adopt a more aggressive approach when facing the 19-year-old prodigy, rather than showing admiration. Littler has rapidly made his mark since his debut in December 2023, securing fifteen Major TV titles and establishing himself as a dominant figure in the sport.

Van der Voort, 50, highlighted Littler's consistency in longer matches, noting that he has lost only once in contests exceeding 20 legs, a defeat to Luke Humphries during Littler’s first world final appearance. However, he acknowledged that Littler has shown vulnerability in shorter formats, such as his early exit from the recent World Grand Prix in Leicester.

The Dutch veteran encouraged Littler’s rivals to take a more direct and competitive stance, distancing themselves from any tendency to admire or defer to the young champion. “They have to figure out a way to beat him,” van der Voort said. “That starts by not being a fanboy. Just go after him—give him everything you have. If he’s better than you, then you’ve got nothing to blame yourself for.”

Van der Voort also suggested that the respect and camaraderie displayed on stage by players such as Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting, including fist bumps and sportsmanship gestures, may not be the most effective strategy against a player of Littler’s caliber. Instead, he urged them to focus on competing assertively to challenge Littler’s growing dominance in the world of professional darts.