Luke Littler was in tears after producing a record-breaking set in his first round win at Ally Pally. On an emotionally charged night, ‘the Nuke’ overcame Ryan Meikle 3-1 in front of a raucous crowd, having struggled in the early going.
Littler wasn’t his fluent self in the first set, and was locked at 2-2 before producing his first moment of magic.
Needing 100 to take the advantage, he checked out on ‘tops tops’, and produced the famous Ronaldo ‘calm’ celebration afterwards.
But it was Meikle who took the second set, before Littler regained the ascendancy. And then the fourth proved one for the ages, with the young star averaging a record-breaking 140.91.
In succession, he produced 11, 12, and then 11-dart legs to wrap up victory. And he also came agonisingly close to nailing a perfect leg, his ‘double 12’ dart pushing the wire.
And as the crowd erupted, Littler appeared to wave away at camera as he struggled to hold himself together. Littler’s post-match interview with Sky’s Abigal Davies was then cut short as the star held back tears.
“That was incredible. I started off slow but…” Littler said, before his voice began to break. He then turned towards the crowd and applauded them before leaving the stage.
On social media, fans soon took out in support of the teenage sensation, with @fisherjon10 writing: “A useful reminder that Luke Littler is 17 years old. So much attention and pressure on him. No wonder he let his emotions go at the end there. So impressive.”
@JustDxm added: “Something must have happened in Luke Littler’s life for him to be emotional like that at the end. Hope he’s alright.”
Littler was also seen hugging his parents before he left arena. He now won’t be back in action until after Christmas, where he’ll compete at the third round stage.
There is huge expectation on the star after his incredible run to the final on debut last year. If form prevails, he’ll meet current world champions Luke Humphries at the semi-final stage.
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