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.

The reigning world champion has already qualified for next month’s finals in Minehead after winning Players Championship 32 earlier this month.

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.