Luke Littler being tested by Ryan Joyce at the World Darts Championship proves he is not invincible, says John Part | News darts
Luke Littler says “all eyes” are on him at the World Darts Championships, while John Part believes the teenager has shown he is not “invincible” after being tested by Ryan Joyce.
Littler went through a demanding test of his credentials as the title favourite with a tense 4-3 win over Joyce book a place in the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day.
Expectations for last year’s runner-up rose after the sudden exit of defending champion Luke Humphries and the 17-year-old had to withstand intense pressure at Alexandra Palace.
His class showed when it was most needed as he averaged 111 in the final set, hitting 14 180s in the match.
The Premier League and Grand Slam darts champion claimed he was the main attraction with or without Humphries during his press conference, saying: “I think there would be expectations no matter what. Even if Luke had gone through, which I obviously did I survived tonight, I think all eyes would still be on me.”
Littler also said he felt “more comfortable” last year, but the expectations on Warrington’s hurler have risen considerably.
“Apparently no one knew me,” he said. “I played with absolute freedom. I would say that these last two games I played with a little freedom, and I also had that adrenaline boost.”
Part: It’s huge that Littler had that kind of game
Littler will battle good friend Nathan Aspinall for a place in the semi-finals after the Stockport hurler produced a near-perfect shot over Ricardo Pietreczka.
“It was everything we could have hoped for,” said Part, a three-time world champion. “We got to see Littler test himself and try, it was good to see that he’s not perfect and needs some work, but he was resilient against a relentless opponent.
“Those are the matches we like to watch. The ones in which both players refuse to accept, to give up, and if they are given an extra chance, they take it.
“Luke got the job done, extra speed in the last set with an average of almost 111. His best performance of the match came at the end. Littler is a real talent. He has a good chance.”
Part continued, “Littler understands that you can’t joke up there, you’ll be found out. He was serious at the right times.
“He’s really the full package in terms of ability and attitude, but he’s not unbeatable. I’m not saying he’s going to lose, he can beat anybody.
“You mustn’t let your guard down even for a moment.
“It’s great that he’s been tested and won so many tournaments. But now on this stage, where it all started for him, I think given the new context of who he is, it’s huge that he had a match like that and came through .”
Part about the quarter-finalists
“Peter Wright has proven he can do something here. He has the ability. All these players have developed from normal games to really world-class games. It’s a long two, three weeks. They have to have the right time.
“Luke Littler is not alone. There are seven other guys and they’re all thinking, ‘that’s it’.”
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