Luke Littler admits he must find improvement at the World Darts Championships – but told the Ally Pally crowd ‘it’s what I do’ after letting them hear it.
The Nuke defeated Ian White to secure a last 16 clash against Ryan Joyce. However, Littler had to survive some scares during the contest and knows that he badly needs to brush up on his finishing. The 17-year-old said: “I know I have to hit the doubles. 35 per cent, it’s not going to get me anywhere. I watched Ryan’s game. He was very good. I know what’s gone wrong, obviously the doubles. But most importantly, I won.”
White made him fight for the 4-1 win and he added: “Definitely it was tough, Ian threw everything at me. If I hit a 180, he hit back with a 180. So I had to stay switched on. I wouldn’t say nerves, it was just a case of settling in quickly. First set was okay, but after the first break I was really up for it. When you are 3-1 up, last break, you have got that feeling you are only three legs away.”
The roar that accompanied a winning shot for the fourth set screamed relief and Littler said: “It was massive. I don’t think double 20 and double 10 liked me tonight and I don’t think I like them. I was thinking of switching up, but I stuck at the doubles I know.”
The kid also enjoyed some fun with the crowd as he admitted enjoying the chance to answer their Ian White chants with a maximum, Littler laughed: “It’s what I do! The crowd were good for both me and Ian. But, if they chanting Ian’s name, I’m going to hit a 180!”