Luke Littler survived a near-exit from the World Darts Championship after narrowly beating Ryan Joyce 4-3 on Monday night.
Joyce put on an excellent clinic in how to finish – but ultimately, could not compete with Littler’s high-scoring in a pulsating showstopper at the Alexandra Palace.
Darts fans were treated to a classic that went all the way, though Littler never lost the lead.
Nevertheless, he could not shake off Joyce, who gave Littler plenty to think about by consistently pegging him back set for set.
Luke Littler narrowly beat Ryan Joyce on Monday
PA
It was no surprise when Littler planted double-12 to win the match that he let out a ripping roar before an almighty sigh of relief.
In the deciding set, Littler took a quick two-leg lead – thanks partially to a nearly-missed nine-darter in the opening leg to take the darts off his opponent.
But after Joyce managed to claw back to reduce the deficit to one leg, the jitters were clear to see from the 17-year-old – and the crowd, who collectively held their breath.
However, the teenage sensation was in no mood to be the latest player to suffer an early upset and wrapped up the final leg in cold fashion.
And the Nuke will hope he can raise his game when he takes on Nathan Aspinall – particularly his finishing.
Littler only finished 35 per cent of his doubles whereas Joyce managed to hit 48 per cent.
But the youngster won the match through his superior scoring – managing twice the amount of 180s than Joyce with 14 to his seven.
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