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Luke Littler needs ‘crucial days off’ as he chases 10 major titles in 2026

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2 hours ago

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World number one Luke Littler says he has earned the right to pick and choose which tournaments he plays.

The 19-year-old has taken a step back this year, limiting the number of lower-key events he has entered as he manages his schedule.

Littler has only played two Players Championship floor events, entered just three European Tour tournaments and skipped the recent World Series competitions in New Zealand and Australia.

Darts supremo Barry Hearn recently fired a warning to the sport’s top stars about regularly missing tournaments, but Littler says he can be his own master given his position at the top of the rankings.

He also knows that darts needs him more than he needs darts, with his profile helping drive the sport.

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“I think obviously it’s just what’s best for me and my family, just having those crucial days off,” he told the Press Association.

“I think we’re going to see more days off just to rest.

“That’s all I’m doing. I’m obviously world number one, and there’s a massive gap between myself and world number two.

“I can sort of take that step back and not go chasing every single tournament.

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Littler has transcended darts with his marketing capability (KP Nuts handout)
Littler has transcended darts with his marketing capability (KP Nuts handout)

“It allows me to have, obviously, days off and weeks off, and yeah, just about balancing the schedule.”

Littler is only taking part in the Players Championships this year in a bid to win a clean sweep of major titles.

However, having won the first six major titles of the year, he is aiming for all 10 and that requires him to qualify for the Players Championship Finals in November.

He is playing catch-up after skipping the first 26 floor events of the year, before beginning his bid in Leicester a fortnight ago.

Whether he continues his pursuit will depend on how he fares in the World Series of Darts Finals this week.

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Luke Littler is looking for all 10 major titles this year (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Luke Littler is looking for all 10 major titles this year (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

If he does not win the tournament in Amsterdam and can no longer secure every major title this year, he is unlikely to try and qualify for the Players Championship in Minehead.

Littler knows he can only take it one tournament at a time.

“That’s all you can do,” he added, speaking through his role with KP Nuts. “I can’t be looking forward any more than what’s next, which is the World Series in Amsterdam.

“If I hopefully do win the World Series, then Tuesday and Wednesday I’ll be in Den Bosch for the Pro Tours, try and qualify for Minehead.

“We’ve just got to see what happens in Amsterdam this weekend.”

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:: Luke Littler and KP Nuts have launched ‘Hit the Bullseye’, giving fans the chance to win £20,000, dartboards and daily prizes by scanning the QR code on promotional packs available in pubs and shops now. Visit https://kpnutsfordarts.com/ for more info.

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Sports

Real Betis vs Getafe Prediction and Betting Tips

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13 minutes ago

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15 September 2026

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High-flying Real Betis welcome Getafe to the Benito Villamarín Stadium in a Spanish La Liga match on Thursday. Real Betis have a slight historical edge in this fixture.

Real Betis have enjoyed an excellent start to the season and sit third in the La Liga standings, with four wins out of five in the Spanish top flight.

Aside from a 5-2 away loss to Levante on matchday three, Los Verdiblancos have been supremely efficient and defensively solid, with 1-0 victories over giants Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at home, as well as Valencia away.

In their most recent La Liga matchup, Manuel Pellegrini’s men travelled to face Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Monday, securing a come-from-behind 2-1 victory.

Gerard Moreno put the hosts ahead in the 29th minute, but Real Betis fought back as Cucho Hernandez and Natan netted before the halftime break to earn another impressive three points.

Meanwhile, Getafe are in 14th place in the La Liga table with five points from five games, tied on the same points as Levante, who are above Azulones on goal difference.

Getafe kicked off their league campaign with a 3-0 loss away to Alaves before earning their only win so far against newly-promoted Racing Santander at home.

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A 1-0 loss away to Osasuna was followed by a pair of 1-1 home draws against Celta Vigo and Deportivo La Coruña.

José Bordalás’ side looked set for the win after they took the lead through Ramon Terrats in the 66th minute, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalized late in the match at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Sunday.

Real Betis vs Getafe head-to-head stats and key numbers

  • Real Betis have the slight upper hand in the head-to-head record against Getafe, with 17 wins out of 42 matches, along with 12 draws.
  • Getafe have beaten Real Betis on 13 occasions, including their most recent clash in La Liga last season, when they secured a 2-0 victory at home.
  • Despite that recent loss, Real Betis have dominated the fixture in the last five years, having lost to Getafe only twice in their last 11 matches.

Real Betis vs Getafe prediction

Real Betis are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo at home, using their creative midfielders and wide players to transition at speed and break down Getafe’s defense. Getafe will likely adopt a compact, low defensive block designed to disrupt Real Betis’ rhythm, before launching counterattacks and aiming to make the most of set-piece opportunities.

Real Betis have become masters of edging narrow victories, and we expect this encounter to end similarly in the home side’s favor.

Prediction: Real Betis 1-0 Getafe

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Real Betis vs Getafe betting tips

Tip 1: Real Betis to win

Tip 2: Real Betis to keep a clean sheet

Tip 3: Under 2.5 goals