World number one Luke Littler has stated he has earned the right to select which tournaments he plays, prioritising rest days. The 19-year-old has reduced his entries into lower-key events this year, including only two Players Championship floor events and three European Tour tournaments, while skipping recent World Series competitions in New Zealand and Australia.
Littler, who holds a significant lead over the world number two, believes darts needs him more than he needs the sport. He told the Press Association, "I think obviously it's just what's best for me and my family, just having those crucial days off." He added that he expects to take "more days off just to rest."
Despite this, Littler is pursuing a clean sweep of 10 major titles this year, having already won the first six. His qualification for the Players Championship Finals in November hinges on his performance in the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam this week. If he does not win in Amsterdam and can no longer secure every major title, he is unlikely to attempt to qualify for the Players Championship in Minehead.