Luke Littler faces a pivotal scheduling dilemma in the coming months as he chases his ambitious goal of winning every major title in a single calendar year. The reigning world champion, currently 125th on the Pro Tour Ranking, may need to commit to a heavy workload, including a potentially unwanted trip to the Netherlands, according to Vincent van der Voort.
Speaking on the 'Darts Draait Door' podcast, Van der Voort highlighted that Littler's low ranking stems from his limited participation in Players Championship events recently. With two tournaments remaining in England and four in the Netherlands, Littler has ample opportunities to improve his standing. Notably, two of the Dutch events follow directly after the World Series of Darts Finals, making it logistically straightforward for Littler to extend his stay.
"If he really wants to get it done, then he has to play them," Van der Voort said. "The only question is whether Littler is willing to plan a longer stay in the Netherlands." However, Van der Voort doubts Littler will remain if he exits early from the World Series Finals. "If he goes out on Thursday, for example, I don't think he'll stay until Tuesday," he explained. Conversely, a deep run could change everything: "If he reaches the final on Sunday, then I can see it. Then it's easy, because you only have to stay one day."
Littler's stated ambition to win everything in one year is the driving force behind this potential extra effort. Van der Voort noted that if Littler's ultimate goal slips away at a key event, he might abandon the plan altogether. "If he doesn't win it, then he can also say: just leave it altogether. Then he goes and doesn't play them at all," he said.
The coming weeks will be decisive for Littler's schedule, as he balances rest against the pursuit of more titles. As long as his dream of a clean sweep remains alive, one thing seems clear: Littler will have to head to the Netherlands.