Sky Sports under pressure over Luke Littler darts final as MP makes statement

Littler continued his astonishing run at Alexandra Palace by defeating 2018 world champion Rob Cross 6-2 in Tuesday’s first semi-final, setting up a clash with Humphries after the No. 3 seed whitewashed Scott Williams.

But many darts fans will be unable to watch what could be a momentous event in British sporting history if Littler lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy at the age of 16, as neither BBC nor ITV have the rights to the World Championship.

Liberal Democrat Culture & Sports Spokesperson Jamie Stone MP has called on Sky to “do the right thing” and share the rights of the final with the two national broadcasters, emulating other sports such as football and rugby.

“The nation is gripped by darts fever and the spectacle of a 16-year-old Brit becoming world champion,” Stone said in a statement. To keep this historic game a secret from millions of people would be disgraceful. Free-to-air television must broadcast the championship game.

“If Football, Cricket and Rugby World Cup finals are free-to-air, then so should darts. Sky Sports should do the right thing and share coverage with the likes of the BBC or ITV. Ministers have the power to put pressure on them.”

Stone, a Scottish lawmaker for the districts of Caithness, Sutherland, and Easter Ross, has already charged the government with “snobbery” for failing to send a delegate to support Littler after his semifinal win.