Luke Littler: Premier League Darts champion explains World Darts Championship emotions saying he is 'not a nice person at times on the board'

28 December 2024, 23:38 | Updated: 29 December 2024, 13:30

Luke Littler says he needs to be "ruthless" on the dart board at times, which has led to his emotive celebrations at the World Darts Championship.

Littler beat Ian White 4-1 to book a place in the fourth round, where he will he face Ryan Joyce on Monday night - live on Sky Sports Darts.

The 17-year-old won two crucial deciding legs against White and has visibly reacted more to key doubles during his opening two matches at Alexandra Palace.

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"I feel like it's the same, but it's good for myself to show that I can be ruthless," explained Littler.

"I'm not a nice person at times on the board. I don't think anyone else is, but it's always good to have that bit of aggression.

"Ian's been around for many years. He played my grandad! But for myself it's good to be ruthless, especially on that last dart."

Littler: White win good for confidence

Littler has yet to consistently be at his best in this tournament but has shown glimpses of brilliance, including his record-breaking final set average of 140.91 in his win over Ryan Meikle.

The Premier League Darts champion says he feels "at home again" after beating White, compared to the nervy victory against Meikle.

"It was definitely better than last week, probably not performance wise, but for myself and my confidence. To get past Ian was a tough test," he said.

"It's always good to have a test as you try and go through the rounds in the World Championship. You don't really want to be cruising through.

"Obviously, I'd love to but when you've got a challenge like that, you know you've got to step it up for the fans and for myself."

Littler expects 'same, old Ryan' in next round

Joyce will be the next player to attempt to deny the Littler a potential semi-final showdown with defending world champion Luke Humphries.

Littler has been watching as many sessions at the World Darts Championship as possible, including Joyce's third-round win over Ryan Searle.

"I'm expecting the same old Ryan - hitting doubles first or second time, but hopefully he does miss," said Littler.

"But for myself, just hit them doubles and take the shots when I can."

What's coming up next?

The third round concludes on Sunday, with Dimitri van den Bergh headlining the afternoon session against Callan Rydz after Kevin Doets faces Krzysztof Ratajski and Jeffrey de Graff plays Paolo Nebrida at 12.30pm

Ricky Evans takes on Robert Owen to open the evening session from 7pm, the final last-32 match of the tournament, before the fourth round begins later that evening with an all-Welsh showdown between Jonny Clayton and former world champion Gerwyn Price.

Defending champion Luke Humphries then faces two-time world champion in the final match of the night, with the remaining six fourth-round matches being played on Monday before the quarter-finals take place - across two sessions - on New Year's Day.

Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until January 3 on Sky Sports' dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

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