Ricardo Pietreczko failed in the semifinals against Luke Littler. After the duel, the nerves were on edge – and a dispute arose.
German darts professional Ricardo Pietreczko narrowly missed the final at the European Tour event in Belgium. The 29-year-old ultimately had no chance in his first meeting with 17-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler and lost 3:7 to the eventual tournament winner. After the match between the two, there was a small argument because Pietreczko didn’t like Littler’s style of play.
The German noticed Littler’s unusual check-out methods, and Pietreczko apparently perceived them as disrespectful. While shaking hands, the German talked to Littler. The 17-year-old was surprised and gestured. According to Sport1, he suggested that Pietreczko should leave. After “Pikachu” left the stage, Littler apparently made another elbow gesture – and roared towards the audience.
Shortly afterwards, Pietreczko followed up on Instagram: “I really appreciated him being able to play a game like that at such an age,” the German wrote after the match, “but I hope his arrogance punishes him.”
Shooting star Littler then secured his third tournament victory in his debut year on the professional tour with his 8:7 final triumph against compatriot Rob Cross. In the final he also managed a nine-darter in the new edition of the World Cup semi-final against Cross.