Luke Littler has been encouraged to follow Luke Humphries’ example and remove the bulk.
Humphries, the world darts champion and current number one in the world, deliberately decided to lose weight during the pandemic. He shed about four and a half stone in total and has been enjoying the benefits ever since his life got back to normal.
Humphries proceeded to reach the UK Open final in 2021 and thereafter won more titles on the European Tour in 2022. He rose to the top of the sport last year, winning four majors in a row, highlighted by his thrilling triumph over Littler at Ally Pally.
Humphries claims that his playing has significantly improved as a result of his weight loss, since he now has more endurance for extended competitions and games.
Players with large frames have long been known in darts; one such player is 61-year-old former PDC World finalist Peter Manley. He has encouraged Littler, 17, a kebab enthusiast, to address his size while he is still young, saying he wishes he had taken action years ago.
Manley, the chairman of the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA), told Daily Star Sport, “Luke Humphries reminds me so, so much of Luke Littler. “Luke Humphries was a natural when he initially entered the scene, much like Adrian Lewis, who you could always tell was going to win something.
Being a big guy myself, I could tell right immediately that he would need to shed some pounds. And now have a peek at Luke Humphries; he feels fit and looks nice. Although I am aware that he struggled with anxiety and managing stress, he overcame those issues.
Luke Littler seems like a large unit to me. He won’t last long if he doesn’t take care of himself and is careless. It won’t look nice either. You wish to appear well.
“Beer-drinking, overweight people used to be the darts players.” That is evolving. Take a look at Gerwyn Price, a rugby player. They are enduring. The final could take place around six o’clock at night after they play at ten in the morning.
“Those were long ago, and the more fit you are, the more capable you are of maintaining the same levels of focus throughout the day as you did at the beginning.”
When Manley was diagnosed with heart failure in his mid-40s, he had little choice but to modify his lifestyle. He remembers two players, Peter Evison and the legendary Steve Beaton, who were passionate about fitness and health.
Manley remembered, “I used to practice with Peter Evison when I was the young guy coming through.” When I would call him to ask what night we would be practicing, his spouse would respond that he was at the gym, out for a swim, or out jogging. “What do you do that for?” would be my thought.
And after that, I had to take action due to health issues. If I had taken better care of myself, who knows? I could end up like Steve Beaton. Steve has taken care of himself.
“I recall having a large, king-sized breakfast while sitting there at a tournament in Gibraltar, and who comes dashing past? Steve Beaton.