"Littler's extraordinary immunity to pressure is fast reaching the stage where even peak-era Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal would be taking notes. In his quarter-final against Gerwyn Price, Littler looked down and out at times until he hit a 156 checkout to clinch the match. Against Humphries, it didn't matter that his three-dart average was more than a point lower as he won five of his six sets in final-leg deciders."
"That, according to Philip Furley, a senior lecturer at the German Sport University in Cologne, is significant. Furley has just published a new study in the Psychology of Sport and Exercise journal, which suggests that even the tiniest of facial tics and movements before a player throws a dart can indicate whether they will hit a high or low score."
Luke Littler displayed exceptional calm and clutch performance, winning the World Grand Prix 6-1 and prevailing in multiple final-leg deciders. He produced a 156 checkout to clinch a quarter-final and won five of six sets against Humphries despite a slightly lower three-dart average. His facial expression showed minimal emotion between darts. A study by Philip Furley suggests that tiny facial tics and pre-throw movements can predict whether a player will hit high or low scores. Previous research identified 'hastening and hiding' behaviours linked to missed penalties. Darts offers a controlled environment with televised coverage capturing every throw for analysis.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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