LUKE LITTLER cruised into the last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship as he battered slow-coach Mensur Suljovic.
All the talk beforehand had been about how The Nuke would handle playing against one of the slowest throwers on tour.
Yet Littler had a laser-like focus and concentration as he averaged 107.09 – his best-ever at Ally Pally – and took out five ton-plus finishes in a 4-0 thrashing to continue his title defence.
The game was over in 25 minutes of playing time as he ensured darts fans could race back to their local pubs for closing time.
When the draw was made last month, Suljovic, 53, had texted Littler to say ‘see you in round three’ and it proved to be a prophetic message.
But Littler, 18, was not in a charitable mood.
And he took out the opening set in five-and-a-half minutes with a 109.98 average as Suljovic, 53, did not have a single double attempt.
There were up to 19 seconds between visits to the oche for Littler because his Austrian opponent is very methodical with his throws.
Moaning Joe Cullen had accused The Gentle of cheating during their second-round meeting.
But Littler denied those claims, even though he had to remain patient while waiting on the stage.
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In set two, Littler put his foot on the gas and took out 105 and 101 checkouts for a 2-0 lead.
Suljovic finally got two legs on the board in set three and this drew ironic cheers from the crowd.
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LUK OUT!
But it was a brief moment of joy for the world No.60 because Littler took out set three on a 124 checkout and then clinched set four on double three – he has yet to drop a set.
The world No.1 will now face either Australian Damon Heta or England’s former world champion Rob Cross in the fourth round.
It was Littler’s PB average on that stage in 16 games spread across three world campaigns.
He said: “I’m very happy with it. The finishing was good.
“A 71% (checkout rate) – I don’t think I have seen that before in my PDC career.
“I felt so settled. I got into a rhythm and I matched him. I was slower than usual.
“That’s the best I have felt. Even ahead of last year’s tournament and the one before that. It showed by the averages, finishing and ton-plus checkouts.
“Everyone wants to win 4-0. I chased for the fourth set to win the match.
“We always pack enough clothes for the final. We are packed for 6-7 days worth.
“The first year was a privilege to be here. Last year was different. Only the first game really mattered, this year as reigning champion and world no.1, the pressure was on.
“But there was no pressure and no nerves this time.”
