Emma Paton responds to Gary Anderson and James Wade after Luke Littler complaints
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Emma Paton has defended the media's coverage of Luke Littler following complaints from Gary Anderson and James Wade. The veteran pair have both slammed what they believe is a lack of recognition for world champion and world number one Luke Humphries, who has dominated darts over the last 18 months. Anderson and Wade believe there has been too much focus on Littler, whose exploits have transcended the sport.
While they have been mightily impressed with the teenage sensation, they believe it has led to Humphries not getting the respect he deserves. However, Sky Sports darts presenter Paton doesn't see it that way. She told the Mirror: "Yeah, I do [think Humphries has had enough credit]. And I think he'll be happy with it too. I can only talk for our Sky coverage.
"He's been a fantastic world champion, and if you speak to people, it's 50/50 [between the Lukes] over who their favourite is for the World Championship. "I don't think there's any question marks over his year. For large periods, he's [Humphries] been the best player on the planet. I would say he's been the most consistent and most reliable. I think we talk about him at length.".
Paton insists Littler's phenomenal rise has been too seismic to ignore, given his impact on the sport, with record-breaking viewing figures on Sky and the growth of a more diverse audience. LOVE THE DARTS? Get your ultimate World Darts Championship publication now.
"I think for some people, the Littler stuff gets a bit convoluted. We're talking about an incredible sporting story," she said. "If we go back 12 months ago, Luke Littler was ranked 164th in the world and had barely played on a big TV stage. Then, at 16, he goes and makes the World Championship final. I know he didn't win it, but 12 months on, he's up to fourth in the world.
