SHEEPISH LUKE
Luke Littler refuses to celebrate after surviving match dart to edge out Mike De Decker 10-9 in Grand Slam of Darts epic
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LUKE LITTLER refused to celebrate despite producing an epic comeback to move a step closer to lifting the Grand Slam of Darts this weekend.
The Nuke, 17, maintained his 100 per cent record on his debut appearance as he survived a match dart to knock out Mike De Decker from the last 16 in Wolverhampton.
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The Warrington teen came from 8-4 down to win 10-9 in a last-leg decider in the West Midlands.
But the crowd was heavily on Littler's side and some were heard booing De Decker as he tried to finish the match off.
He will now take on Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena, who survived EIGHT match darts as he overcame Dimitri Van Den Bergh 10-9 earlier in the evening.
And, after booking his spot in the final eight with double eight, Littler looked almost embarrassed to go through as he shook his head and held up his hands in apology.
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Littler – who won six of the last seven legs – will take part in a fifth TV major quarter-final.
He said: “The crowd were amazing. I feel for Mike. Personally myself, I didn’t think I was in the game.
“I know I can always switch that gear.
“I threw at my normal pace. And then I was taking one second to release it and that helped.
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“I may have to throw like that from now on. I know I have it in me. I cannot believe this.”
De Decker, 28, is the World Grand Prix champion and is enjoying the year of his life but he lost his bottle in the key moments against the Boy Wonder.
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Coming into the contest, Littler’s TV average this year was more than 100 and that highlights the incredible standard he has set in his first season as a professional player.
The Nuke – who was serenaded by the crowd – won the Bull backstage and led 3-2 at the first TV break.
De Decker then turned it around to go 8-4 ahead and even had darts to go 9-5 up.
But he had his wobbles late on - including when he went for the bull to secure a Big Fish finale - and Littler ramped up the pressure and enjoyed some luck to record one of his best wins of 2024.
Gian van Veen crushed Ryan Joyce 10-2 with a 106.45 average, seven 180s and a success rate of more than 50 per cent on his doubles earlier on in the night.
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