Teenager sensation Luke Littler secured a place in the World Darts Championship semi-finals by steam rolling Brendan Dolan on Monday afternoon.
The 16-year-old completed a dominant 5-1 victory at Alexandra Palace, going 4-0 up before Donal hit back to take a set off the teenage darts sensation.
Littler, who was buoyed by the support of the crowd inside the iconic venue, wrapped up the longest match of his tournament so far, claiming the final set 3-0 and booking his place in the semi-finals.
On the victory, Littler said: I’m in the sem-final on my debut. I’m glad to get here. I’ve earned it and my performances have been great. It’s gone well today.’
When asked what it is going to take to stop him from getting his hands on the trophy, Littler said: ‘I’ve got a good chance – now I am dreaming. Two games away. Definitely thinking about lifting the title.
‘I was 4-0 up and I was only one away. Brendan came back and won the set. And then we had a break again. But I just wanted to get it over the line.’
Littler will now take on 2018 World Darts Champion Rob Cross in the semi-final, who also won the tournament on his debut.
Teenager sensation Luke Littler (above) secured a place in the World Darts Championship semi-finals by steam rolling Brendan Dolan on Monday afternoon
‘He was unbelievable on debut,’ Littler said to Sky Sports on taking inspiration from Cross. ‘But so was I and I’m looking forward to playing Rob. Didn’t quite like waking up at nine in the morning. So tomorrow I can chill and come back in teh evening.’
Dolan started well, winning the first two legs of the match. But, the 50-year-old’s fast start didn’t phase Littler.
It wasn’t long before he found his feet and grew in confidence, hitting back to claim the next three legs and the first set.
Littler’s first 180 in the the fourth leg brought the crowd to their feet, singing ‘there’s only one Luke Littler’. The 16-year-old egged the fans on before winning the the first set of the World Championship quarter-final.
Littler’s confidence grew, winning six legs on the trot and continued to embrace the atmosphere of the crowd. f
The victory over Dolan has extended the Runcorn-born darts player’s fairytale – taking the 16-year-old one step closer to the title.
In his opening match Littler made history by recording the highest average ever achieved by a debutant en route to defeating Christian Kist before dispatching Andrew Gilding in the second round.
Littler’s astonishing run continued with victory over Matt Campbell, before defeating five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld to book his place in Monday’s quarter-final.
The 16-year-old dismantled the Northern Irishman, Dolan, to claim a place in the semi-finals and secure a minimum payout of £100,000.
After claiming the second set 3-0, Dolan would hit back, winning two legs in the third set, but he allowed Littler back in to the match, with the Englishman claiming the final two sets, throwing two 180s to go 3-0 up.
Littler claimed the fourth set despite dropping the first leg,
His fairytale run at Ally Pally has garnered widespread attention, with the 16-year-old stating it’s crazy to think he used to watch Sky Sports News and now he is the one doing interviews for the broadcasters.
Littler told Sky: ‘I’m doing interviews with Sky Sports. Usually I am up in the morning watching Sky Sports News. Now I am on the news. It’s all incredible. I am taking it all in my stride.’
Littler was spotted at the Spurs’ home ground on New Year’s Eve, having been extended an invitation by Maddison. He was photographed making his way to his seat alongside Maddison and took his seat alongside Chris Dobey, who is also in contention to win the world title.
Speaking about his experience at the game, Littler said: ‘[My life has] has already changed. At the [West Ham vs] Arsenal game the other day, people were getting photos with me.
‘When I was putting my hood up, people were walking around in front of me asking for a picture and I was like, ‘What? I’ve got my hood up, I’m trying to hide.’ But it’s all good that people are wanting pictures, I’m glad.’
More to follow…