Luke Littler says “all eyes” are on him on the World Darts Championship, whereas John Half feels {the teenager} confirmed he’s not “unbeatable” after being examined by Ryan Joyce.
Littler got here by way of an exacting check of his credentials as favorite for the title with a tense 4-3 victory over Joyce to ebook a spot within the quarter-finals on New Yr’s Day.
Expectation on final 12 months’s runner-up was ramped up following defending champion Luke Humphries’ shock exit and the 17-year-old needed to stand up to intense strain at Alexandra Palace.
His class confirmed when it was wanted most as he averaged 111 within the remaining set, having hit 14 180s within the match.
The Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts champion claimed he’s the principle attraction with or with out Humphries throughout his press convention, saying: “I think there would have been expectation no matter what. Even if Luke got through, and I’ve obviously I’ve got through tonight, I think all eyes would still be on me.”
Littler additionally mentioned he felt “more comfortable” final 12 months however expectations have grown significantly on the Warrington thrower since.
“Obviously, no one really knew me,” he mentioned. “I was playing with absolute freedom. I would say these last two games I’ve played with a bit of freedom, and also that adrenaline boost has been there for me.”
Half: It is big Littler had that type of match
Littler will tackle good buddy Nathan Aspinall for a spot within the semi-finals after the Stockport thrower produced an nearly excellent whitewash over Ricardo Pietreczko.
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John Half says Littler shouldn’t be ‘unbeatable’ at this 12 months’s World Darts Championship regardless of displaying grit to win a decider set towards Joyce
“It was everything we could have hoped for,” mentioned Half, a three-time world champion. “We got to see Littler tested and tried, it was nice to see he wasn’t perfect and could use some work but he was resilient against a relentless opponent.
“These are the matches we like to look at. Ones the place each gamers refuse to concede, to surrender, and in the event that they’re given an additional alternative they take it.
“Luke got the job done, an extra gear in the last set with an average of almost 111. His best performance of the match came at the end. Littler is quite a talent. He’s got a good chance.”
Half continued: “Littler realises he can’t joke around up there, you’ll be found out. He was serious at the right moments.
“He actually is the complete package deal by way of skill and poise however he is not unbeatable. I am not saying he’s going to lose, he can beat anyone.
“You can’t let your guard down for a second.
“It is nice he is been examined and he is gained so many occasions. However on this stage now, the place all of it started for him, I believe given the brand new context of who he’s, it is big that he had that type of match and got here by way of it.”
Half on the quarter-finalists
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Half appears forward to the quarter-finals which will probably be reside on Sky Sports activities Darts on New Yr’s Day
“Peter Wright has proven he can do something here. he’s got capabilities. These players have all been building up and from normal matches to really world-class matches. It’s a long two, three weeks. They have to have their timings right.
“Luke Littler shouldn’t be alone. There’s seven different guys they usually’re all pondering, ‘that is it’.”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports
Watch all of the motion on the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship from Alexandra Palace on Sky Sports activities Darts with Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen in motion – and you may take pleasure in the easiest right here.
Who will win the Paddy Energy World Darts Championship? Watch each match completely reside till January 3 on Sky Sports activities’ devoted darts channel. Stream darts and extra prime sport with NOW.
