Luke Littler examined by Ryan Joyce at World Darts Championship proves he is not unbeatable, says John Half | Darts Information

Luke Littler says “all eyes” are on him on the World Darts Championship, whereas John Half believes {the teenager} has proven he isn’t “unbeatable” after being examined by Ryan Joyce.

Littler handed a rigorous check to find out his {qualifications} as a title favourite. with a tense 4-3 victory over Joyce to guide a spot within the quarter-finals on New 12 months’s Day.

Expectations for final 12 months’s runner-up rose following the shock exit of defending champion Luke Humphries and the 17-year-old needed to face up to intense strain at Alexandra Palace.

His class confirmed when it was most wanted as he averaged 111 within the remaining set, after capturing 14 180s within the match.

The Premier League and Grand Slam Darts champion claimed he was the principle attraction with or with out Humphries throughout his press convention, saying: “I feel there would have been expectations no matter occurred . Even when Luke made it out, and I clearly did. If I used to be carried out tonight, I feel all eyes would nonetheless be on me.”

Littler additionally stated he felt “extra comfy” final 12 months, however expectations have risen significantly since then on the Warrington hurler.

“Clearly, nobody actually knew me,” he stated. “I used to be taking part in with absolute freedom. I might say these final two video games I performed with a bit of little bit of freedom, and in addition that adrenaline rush was there for me.”

Half: It is enormous that Littler had this sort of match

Littler will face good buddy Nathan Aspinall for a spot within the semi-final after the Stockport hurler produced a near-perfect whitewash on Ricardo Pietreczko.

“It was every part we may have hoped for,” stated Half, a three-time world champion. “We bought to see Littler examined and tried, it was good to see he wasn’t good and will use a bit of work, however he was resilient towards a relentless opponent.

“These are the video games we like to look at. Those the place each gamers refuse to concede, refuse to surrender, and if they’ve an additional alternative, they take it.

“Luke did the job, further gear within the remaining set averaging virtually 111. His finest efficiency of the match got here on the finish. Littler is really a expertise. He has an excellent likelihood.”

The half continues: “Littler realizes he cannot joke up there, you will discover out. He was severe on the proper occasions.

“He positively has every part you want by way of skill and composure, however he is not unbeatable. I am not saying he will lose, he can beat anybody.

“You possibly can’t let your guard down for a single second.

“It is nice that he is been examined and received so many occasions. However on this stage now, the place it began for him, I feel given the brand new context of who he’s, it “It is enormous that he had this sort of match and that he got here out of it.”

Half on the quarter-finalists

“Peter Wright has confirmed he can do one thing right here. He has skill. These gamers have all progressed from regular matches to actually world-class matches. It lasts two, three weeks. They should have the correct timing .

“Luke Littler will not be alone. There are seven different guys and they’re all considering, ‘that is it’.”

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