'Utterly mind-boggling': 16yo darts sensation into World Champs ...
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has brushed aside eighth seed Rob Cross to advance into the final of the World Championship.
Littler started somewhat nervously and lost the first set to Cross, the 2018 world champion, who averaged 108.7 to his younger counterpart’s average of 103.2.
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But the 16-year-old quickly found the form that has made him a household name in England.
Although he averaged 98.7 to Cross’ 108.3 in the second set, Littler nailed 75 per cent of his doubles while Cross was extremely sloppy with a conversion rate of 29 per cent as the teen levelled the contest.
Despite Cross’ best efforts — including an absurdly-high average of 114.5 in the fourth set — Littler did not give his rival an inch as he rattled off two consecutive sets to take a 3-1 lead.
Cross managed to snatch the fifth set despite averaging 91.7 to Littler’s 98.2, but it only served as more fuel for the teenager to fire on the biggest stage.
Littler strung together three consecutive legs in which he swatted Cross away as if he was a mere fly to record a staggering 6-2 victory over the former world champion.
Littler continues to defy the odds as his miracle run at the World Championship continued. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesThe teenager averaged 106.05 across the entire contest and nailed 16 180’s to Cross’ average of 102.77, although he mustered up only 10 180’s instead.
Immediately after Littler hit double 10 to seal the contest, Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle was left flabbergasted.
“He’s got the darting world at his feet,” Mardle said.
“What a run. What a talent.
“The world is watching him and he continues to perform at, well, it’s beyond the highest level. It’s magnificent.
“If you’re sat at home and witnessed that or are here, you’ve witnessed something utterly mind-boggling. A 16-year-old is in the final of the World Championship.”
Littler now awaits the winner of the other semi final between Scott Williams and No. 3 in the world Luke Humphries in the final of the World Championships.
