Overview
- Littler defeated Rob Cross 4-2 at Alexandra Palace to reach the last eight, averaging about 106.5 and hitting 17 180s.
- In his Sky Sports interview, he told jeering spectators, “you guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize money,” prompting further boos.
- He later acknowledged he had let emotions get the better of him and suggested he would try to react differently in future.
- Former player James Hubbard and other commentators criticised the comments, arguing a world No. 1 should not insult fans.
- His mother, Lisa, defended him on social media, calling parts of the crowd “vile,” as this year’s championship carries a record £1m winner’s prize.