Luke Littler faced hostile jeers at the Brighton Centre as he recorded his lowest PDC TV average in a 6-2 defeat to Stephen Bunting. The world champion's performance drew scrutiny from pundits who suggested his quarter-final exit was a 'knock-on' from last week's spat with Gian van Veen. Littler averaged just 83.94 and failed to hit a single maximum during the match.

Former Premier League star Wayne Mardle believed Littler appeared flat and unfocused, describing his throwing as lacking the usual directness. Three-time world champion John Part was even more critical, stating Littler 'didn't look interested' throughout the contest. Bunting, who turned 41 on Thursday, admitted Littler is 'human' and acknowledged the challenging atmosphere created by the crowd's reaction.

Meanwhile, Jonny Clayton moved three points clear at the top of the table with a stunning comeback victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final. Clayton trailed 5-2 before leveling at 5-5 and winning the last-leg decider with a composed 12-darter. The Welshman confirmed that Littler and Van Veen practiced in separate rooms at the venue, dismissing any suggestion of lingering tension between the players.