Luke Littler survived a near-exit from the World Darts Championship after narrowly beating Ryan Joyce 4-3 on Monday night.
Joyce put on an excellent clinic in how to finish – but ultimately, could not compete with Littler’s high-scoring in a pulsating showstopper at the Alexandra Palace.
Darts fans were treated to a classic that went all the way, though Littler never lost the lead.
Nevertheless, he could not shake off Joyce, who gave Littler plenty to think about by consistently pegging him back set for set.
Luke Littler narrowly beat Ryan Joyce on Monday
PA
It was no surprise when Littler planted double-12 to win the match that he let out a ripping roar before an almighty sigh of relief.
In the deciding set, Littler took a quick two-leg lead – thanks partially to a nearly-missed nine-darter in the opening leg to take the darts off his opponent.
But after Joyce managed to claw back to reduce the deficit to one leg, the jitters were clear to see from the 17-year-old – and the crowd, who collectively held their breath.
However, the teenage sensation was in no mood to be the latest player to suffer an early upset and wrapped up the final leg in cold fashion – finishing the final set with a whopping 111 average.
And the Nuke will hope he can raise his game when he takes on Nathan Aspinall – particularly his finishing.
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Littler only finished 35 per cent of his doubles whereas Joyce managed to hit 48 per cent.
But the youngster won the match through his superior scoring – managing twice the amount of 180s than Joyce with 14 to his seven.
This time last year, Littler was the new kid on the block who was sweeping former world champions like Raymond van Barneveld with no pressure on his shoulders.
Now the entire planet has seemingly tuned into this World Championship tournament to catch a glimpse of the sport’s newest superstar.
Ryan Joyce put on an exceptional showing of darts but could not topple Luke Littler
PA
Littler has handled the pressure exceptionally well considering the fact he still cannot legally buy a four-pack of Stella.
However, with the tournament now taking shape – the spotlight will gleam even harder – especially after Luke Humphries’ shock departure.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “Honestly, I think I went into 10th gear at one point, I had to. I said to Ryan, he hit everything at me!
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“I thought I’d break Ryan in the first set but he comes and hits me back. Then when we came on after the break, I break him again to go 2-1 up then it’s 2-2. If I’d held my own set then it would have been over and done with. But I’ve got to dig deep.
“I just wanted him to miss! I just saw it 48 per cent for Ryan [on doubles] and I was 35 per cent again. But I had a lot of chances at the doubles while Ryan wasn’t close. I’m happy to win.
“I wouldn’t say I was nervous, it was more adrenaline. I knew in that last leg, ‘just hold your own for once in the game at least!’ and I did on that double 12 – it shows I can hit it.”
Littler is back in action on New Year’s Day when he faces Aspinall at a shot at the semi-final.