Luke Littler says “all eyes” are on him at the World Darts Championship, while John Part feels the teenager showed he is not “unbeatable” after being tested by Ryan Joyce.
Littler came through an exacting test of his credentials as favourite for the title with a tense 4-3 victory over Joyce to book a place in the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day.
Expectation on last year’s runner-up was ramped up following defending champion Luke Humphries’ surprise exit and the 17-year-old had to withstand intense pressure at Alexandra Palace.
His class showed when it was needed most as he averaged 111 in the final set, having hit 14 180s in the match.
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Highlights of Littler’s fourth round match with Ryan Joyce at the World Darts Championship
The Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts champion claimed he is the main attraction with or without Humphries during his press conference, saying: “I think there would have been expectation no matter what. Even if Luke got through, and I’ve obviously I’ve got through tonight, I think all eyes would still be on me.”
Littler also said he felt “more comfortable” last year but expectations have grown considerably on the Warrington thrower since.
“Obviously, no one really knew me,” he said. “I was playing with absolute freedom. I would say these last two games I’ve played with a bit of freedom, and also that adrenaline boost has been there for me.”
Part: It’s huge Littler had that sort of match
Littler will take on good friend Nathan Aspinall for a spot in the semi-finals after the Stockport thrower produced an almost perfect whitewash over Ricardo Pietreczko.
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John Part says Littler is not ‘unbeatable’ at this year’s World Darts Championship despite showing grit to win a decider set against Joyce
“It was everything we could have hoped for,” said Part, a three-time world champion. “We got to see Littler tested and tried, it was nice to see he wasn’t perfect and could use some work but he was resilient against a relentless opponent.
“Those are the matches we like to watch. Ones where both players refuse to concede, to give up, and if they’re given an extra opportunity they take it.
“Luke got the job done, an extra gear in the last set with an average of almost 111. His best performance of the match came at the end. Littler is quite a talent. He’s got a good chance.”
Part continued: “Littler realises he can’t joke around up there, you’ll be found out. He was serious at the right moments.
“He really is the full package in terms of ability and poise but he isn’t unbeatable. I’m not saying he is going to lose, he can beat anybody.
“You can’t let your guard down for a second.
“It’s great he’s been tested and he’s won so many events. But on this stage now, where it all began for him, I think given the new context of who he is, it’s huge that he had that sort of match and came through it.”
Part on the quarter-finalists
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Part looks ahead to the quarter-finals which will be live on Sky Sports Darts on New Year’s Day
“Peter Wright has proven he can do something here. he’s got capabilities. These players have all been building up and from normal matches to really world-class matches. It’s a long two, three weeks. They have to have their timings right.
“Luke Littler is not alone. There’s seven other guys and they’re all thinking, ‘this is it’.”
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