Fans on social media have complained after Keely Hodgkinson beat Luke Littler to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Tuesday night.
Littler had been hoping to secure glory after a stunning year that has seen him win the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts at the first time of asking.
Yet while the youngster won the Young Sports Personality of the Year gong, he missed out on the main prize to Hodgkinson.
The 22-year-old was recognised after winning Olympic gold in Paris back in the summer, having previously secured silver in Tokyo.
Fans on social media have complained after Keely Hodgkinson beat Luke Littler to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Tuesday night
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Hodgkinson spoke of her immense pride after reigning supreme, with the runner saying: “I am in a bit of shock.
“I am more excited for my coach [Trevor Painter] as I wouldn’t be here without his guidance that I have had since I was 17.
“This year has been incredible and I achieved everything that I set out to do on the outdoor track.
“I hope you love watching Paris and I wish you all a wonderful evening.”
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Yet fans on social media have complained, with some feeling Littler was a worthier winner instead.
“Littler was robbed he’s our winner,” were the words of one user.
A second stated: “If you ask me in 24 hours what her name is I won’t have a clue, Littler however had that much of an impact everyone can name him, that’s what sort of year he’s had and he’s been robbed.”
A third complained by saying: “Luke Littler completely robbed, only heard about keely at the Olympics, prior to that nobody heard of her. Luke has been everywhere.”
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Another said: “Sorry but for what Littler brought to Darts back to mainstream he should have won it…congrats to Kelly though.”
A fifth said: “Feel sorry for Luke Littler. He should have won both the Young SPOTY and normal SPOTY.”
And a sixth vented their frustration with a post that read: “Luke Littler unlucky #sportspersonality.”
Littler showed class by congratulating Hodgkinson on stage.
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Luke Littler was unable to beat Keely Hodgkinson to the BBC SPOTY award
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Earlier on in the night, the darts star was asked about how he started off in the sport.
“It was when my dad started to hang my football boots up for me when I was 11 or 12,” he said.
“I was playing darts and football but he made the right decision.”
When asked how his life has changed over the past year, ever since the last World Darts Championship, he said: “It is all because of the World Championship last year, our lives have changed and we’ve had to get on with it and deal with how our lives have changed.”
Luke Littler won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award on Tuesday night
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Many have tipped Littler to one day gazump Phil Taylor’s achievements in darts.
The teenager is confident he can do exactly that – as long as he has the desire to keep playing for many years ahead.
“16 world titles, at least,” he said.
“If I want it then I can do it for another 25 or 30 years.”
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