Luke Littler responded to Michael van Gerwen’s scathing comments about his form in the perfect way by battling past Ryan Joyce to reach the World Darts Championship quarter-finals
Luke Littler issued a classy response to Michael van Gerwen’s brutal comment about his World Championship form.
Littler produced his best display of the tournament so far on Monday night, posting a 103 average as he fended off the impressive Ryan Joyce 4-3. The Nuke was pushed all the way by ace double-hitter Joyce, but came through with flying colours to set up a quarter-final against Nathan Aspinall on New Year’s Day night.
Earlier in the evening, Van Gerwen impressed too, defeating Jeffrey de Graaf 4-2. After his win, the Green Machine told Dutch media that Littler had been the “biggest disappointment” of the tournament so far, despite his explosive final-set average of 140-plus in his opening round win over Ryan Meikle.
After the win over Joyce, Van Gerwen’s comments were put to Littler, who refused to be drawn into a war of words with the three-time world champion. The Warrington thrower said: “It [the win over Joyce] might answer a few questions but I’m just happy with the result, happy with the power scoring.
“I said before the match, you’ve got to be leaving finishes after at least nine to 12 darts to give myself a chance, and that’s what I’ve done.”
Littler also complimented Joyce, who had been regarded as one of the most dangerous unseeded players in the tournament. He said: “It was a very tough game. We both played very well. Ryan said he had no power-scoring, but he was right behind me in every leg I won! Ryan won’t be happy with the result, but I think he should be happy with the way he played.
On facing Aspinall, he added: “I’m expecting Nathan to play very well. We’ve played each other many times before, we know how we can play. This is the quarter-final of the World Championship, so may the best man win on the day.”
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Meanwhile, Van Gerwen sent out a statement to his title rivals with an excellent display against De Graaf, holding off a mid-game fightback from the Swedish star to triumph with an average of almost 102. The 35-year-old, who faces Callan Rydz next, said: “I think I played a really good game.
“I was cruising and I was in control, and then Jeffrey produced two good sets, but more importantly, I was able to find another gear when I had to.
“Callan has the highest tournament average so far, so I cannot underestimate him, but I feel good, I feel comfortable, and from this position, I think anything is possible in this tournament.”
In the other quarter-finals, Chris Dobey takes on Gerwyn Price while Luke Humphries’ conqueror, Peter Wright, goes up against Stephen Bunting.
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