16-year-old Luke Littler is thru to the final 16 of the World Darts Championship in his event debut; Michael van Gerwen can also be within the fourth spherical as he chases a fourth title at Alexandra Palace; Watch the event by way of till January 3 on Sky Sports activities Darts
By Ali Stafford
Final Up to date: 28/12/23 11:12am
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Michael Van Gerwen says 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler is an enormous expertise and he admires him
Michael Van Gerwen says 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler is an enormous expertise and he admires him
Michael van Gerwen has paid tribute to teenager sensation Luke Littler however insists he was higher than him on the identical stage of his profession.
Littler continued his dream World Darts Championship debut with a 4-1 victory over Matt Campbell on Wednesday night, making him the youngest participant in historical past to succeed in the final 16 on the Alexandra Palace.
The 16-year-old had already fired one of many highest averages of the event in his straight-sets thrashing of Christian Kist after which despatched UK Open champion Andrew Gilding, with Littler rapidly changing into a followers’ favorite and a championship contender.
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Littler turns into the youngest participant to qualify for the final 16 of the World Darts Championship, however will he have fun along with his trademark celebratory kebab?
Littler turns into the youngest participant to qualify for the final 16 of the World Darts Championship, however will he have fun along with his trademark celebratory kebab?
Littler’s speedy rise into the highlight has drawn comparisons with the early levels of Van Gerwen’s profession, who impressed on the BDO as a teen earlier than switching to the PDC in 2007, though the Dutchman thinks he had extra expertise on the identical age.
When requested if he understood the comparisons between the 2 after his 4-0 victory over Richard Veenstra, Van Gerwen informed reporters: “Sure and no. I feel in the event you seem like talent-wise then I feel I used to be barely higher however he does not care whoever he performs and that is why I like him.
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Littler produces an excellent 164 end towards Matt Campbell within the World Darts Championship third spherical
Littler produces an excellent 164 end towards Matt Campbell within the World Darts Championship third spherical
“He is an enormous expertise. Me and Vincent [Van der Voort] spoke about him and he has obtained one little factor in his throw on the top that I do not actually fancy, however for the remaining he can win loads of tournaments in the way forward for darts – 100 per cent.”
Littler has taken loads of the media consideration throughout this yr’s occasion, resulting in most of the title contenders coming in ‘beneath the radar’, though Van Gerwen desires to proceed to be talked about as he chases a fourth world title.
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Van Gerwen makes it clear that he desires Stephen Bunting subsequent after he coasted into the final 16 on the World Darts Championship
Van Gerwen makes it clear that he desires Stephen Bunting subsequent after he coasted into the final 16 on the World Darts Championship
“Are we going to speak concerning the Luke Littler or are we going to speak concerning the world championships?” Van Gerwen requested reporters, earlier than including: “No, I’m winding you up, in fact you’ll get questions on Luke Littler.
“I want everybody provides me consideration as a result of if you get consideration it’s a pleasure, it’s one thing good. Once they speak about you it’s a good signal, it means you continue to imply one thing to the game.”
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Wayne Mardle is satisfied Littler goes to the very prime and says everybody talks about his age other than him
Wayne Mardle is satisfied Littler goes to the very prime and says everybody talks about his age other than him
Van Gerwen – chasing a primary world title in 4 years – made mild work of fellow Dutchman Veenstra, dropping simply 4 legs and registering a 101.39 common to arrange a final 16-meeting with both Stephen Bunting or Florian Hempel.
“I feel there’s extra to get, I really feel comfy and I really feel good and I’m wanting ahead,” he added. “I used to be happy, with the best way I performed it gave me confidence, that’s the means need to do issues. I did what I needed to do.”
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