Fifteen-year-old Mitchell Lawrie has defended the amateur roster chosen by Netflix to face top-ranked player Luke Littler for a massive cash prize, stating that the streaming giant likely wanted skilled competitors rather than ordinary players.
Twenty finalists out of twenty-four hopefuls will be chosen to compete against the world number one during the Beat Luke Littler event in Manchester on Friday evening.
A successful single-leg shoot-out victory against The Nuke will award the winner £501,000, with a pre-match bullseye contest determining who throws first.
Thousands participated in auditions for the twenty-four spots, but backlash arose regarding the inclusion of prominent female player Fallon Sherrock and teenage prodigy Lawrie.
This frustration stems from Lawrie being among the top global teenagers despite his age, having reached the WDF World Championship final last December during his debut appearance at Lakeside.
Critics argued that Netflix originally intended to feature pub players rather than individuals with established reputations and previous television experience.
Addressing online backlash about the television special, Lawrie told SunSport that he satisfied all necessary criteria.
He noted that the rule was simply never having held a Tour Card previously, a status for which he has never qualified.
Lawrie stated that meeting all conditions meant he had to participate.
He added that declining an opportunity to compete for a £501,000 prize would be foolish.
Lawrie pointed out that Netflix is running the show and would naturally avoid featuring ordinary participants.
Dismissing online critics, he suggested they simply felt frustrated about missing out on selection.
Lawrie believes any of the twenty-four participants can defeat Luke Littler and hopes to face him before other major names get the chance.
Nicknamed Wee Sox and originally from Renshaw, Lawrie plans to purchase a Rolex worth around £10,000 if he claims the grand prize.
His preference is either a discontinued red-and-blue Pepsi model or a Batman watch.
Lawrie acknowledged that winning the pre-game bullseye throw is crucial, especially given Littler's skill in that area.
He expressed complete confidence if throwing first, while noting he is capable of producing a strong leg to win on Littler's throw if necessary.
Recalling a past encounter, Lawrie mentioned playing Littler about three and a half years ago when he was twelve, losing 3-2 at the Super 16 after missing four match darts.
He credited Littler for the current surge in darts popularity and the massive prize funds available today.
Describing Littler as an incredible player and a genuinely kind person, Lawrie praised his current success and impact on the sport.
