Teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler secured back-to-back UK Open titles with an 11-7 victory over James Wade in the final at Butlin’s Minehead.
Littler’s Dominant Performance
Littler, the world No. 1 and two-time world champion, overcame Danny Noppert and Josh Rock en route to the final. This win repeats last year’s result, where he triumphed 11-2 over Wade. After a sluggish start to the year that left him outside Premier League play-off spots, Littler captured the Cardiff night on Thursday and now regains momentum at the UK Open.
Fans’ Profane Chants at Starmer
Crowd chants targeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed through the venue, prompting ITV to issue an apology to viewers. Fans repeatedly sang “Keir Starmer’s a w****r,” audible during broadcasts. Similar outbursts occurred at the World Championship in Alexandra Palace over Christmas and other recent tournaments.
Context of Starmer Criticism
Starmer faces scrutiny following remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump labeled him “not Winston Churchill” for initially refusing U.S. strikes on Iran from UK territory, including the joint base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands. Starmer later permitted U.S. flights for “specific and limited defensive purposes,” but Trump expressed disappointment.
Iranian Protesters in London
On Sunday, Iranian protesters marched in central London, voicing support for Trump and criticizing Starmer. One unnamed demonstrator called Starmer a “coward” for not joining the conflict, stating: “Joining the war benefits everyone. Sir Keir Starmer is a coward. I want to ask him, ‘Why are you not helping the people of Iran achieve freedom?'”
