Luke Littler misses Players Championship in Wigan after being caught in traffic

Luke Littler missed Wednesday’s Players Championship event in Wigan after a traffic jam caused the world number two to be late for registration.

The PA news agency understands he was stuck in road congestion following a traffic incident and did not arrive in time for the strict 11am deadline.

Littler appeared to take the setback in stride, sharing a picture from inside the car to his Instagram story alongside the caption “back to bed it is, wonder who they’re going to call up”.

The 18-year-old later posted an update, sending his condolences after it emerged a man had died following the incident on the M6.

Littler posted a picture of an online article regarding the traffic incident and wrote: “Missed registration today for the pro tour, but someone sadly lost their life thinking of everyone.”

It was a disappointing afternoon for world number one Luke Humphries as he was edged out 6-5 in the first round by outsider Adam Warner.

Littler’s place in the draw was taken by Charlie Manby, who went on to beat former champion Rob Cross in another last-leg decider.

Elsewhere, both Nathan Aspinall and Damon Heta hit a nine-dart finish in their respective first-round wins over Ian White and George Killington.

Chris Dobey went on to win the event, beating William O’Connor 8-6 in the final to clinch his third Players Championship title of the year and also confirm a place in next month’s Grand Slam of Darts.