Luke Littler blasted over 'ego' as Michael Smith and Gerwyn Price in agreement over teen

Former world champion Michael Smith has joined Gerwyn Price in criticising Luke Littler's attitude at the World Cup of Darts. Smith, who won the tournament for England with Luke Humphries in 2024, watched from afar as his ex-partner and Littler were sensationally beaten by hosts Germany in their opening match.

After the tournament, Price took aim at the pair, claiming they were the only team that didn't turn up together or sit with each other at meal times. He also criticised the attitude of the top seeds, adding: "They are great players individually. But you need to be a team." Now Smith has weighed in, citing Littler's ego as a reason for the shock exit.

Recalling his own partnership with Humphries, he said: "I didn't have an ego going on the stage. I was world No.2 at the time, and I had just come from world No.1.

"Luke Humphries had just taken over, and yes, I play him week in and week out, but I was like 'This is not me against Luke, this is me and Luke Humphries versus everyone else, so I let my ego go to one side.

"I thought he was the No.1, he is the main player, and I do everything for him. I'll do everything he needs by leaving his favourite doubles, and I'll take myself out of the comfort zone where I am not used to throwing myself at a certain treble to leave a double on the left-hand side because that is not my game."

The 34-year-old cited one example: Littler had 125 left but botched the outshot, leaving his partner an awkward 93. Smith added: "That was his ego taking over - they were trying to compete against each other instead of with each other."

The tension was evident post-match as both players hurriedly left the stage. The Welsh team of Price and Jonny Clayton later came up agonisingly short in the final, beaten by the Northern Ireland team of Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney.

Despite their poor campaign, Littler and Humnphries remain in line to represent England together next year. Teams are picked based on rankings, with the two stars still occupying the world No.1 and No.2 spots.