HAD A LUKE Luke Littler plays the showman at the Grand Slam of Darts as he misses out on record-breaking 9-darter by millimetres

Luke Littler extended his unbeaten run in the Grand Slam of Darts, showcasing his talent and flair on the big stage. The 17-year-old sensation from Warrington topped Group F after a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Filipino player Lourence Ilagan in front of a packed crowd in Wolverhampton. However, Littler’s performance was more than just a victory; it was nearly a historic moment as he came agonizingly close to achieving a nine-dart finish, a feat that would have cemented his name in the history books.

As he stepped up to the oche, Littler captivated the audience, demonstrating a level of confidence and showmanship beyond his years. His journey through the group stages had already been impressive, boasting three consecutive matches with averages over 100. Against Ilagan, Littler maintained his high standards, averaging 102.05. He burst out of the gate, quickly establishing a 2-0 lead. However, Ilagan, Asia’s No. 1 player, showed resilience, clawing his way back to level the score at 2-2.

Determined not to let the match slip away, Littler regained his composure, pulling off a spectacular 130 checkout with a bullseye finish to secure a 12-dart leg and take a 4-2 lead. The crowd erupted, sensing something special was unfolding. Littler, sensing the energy, decided to have some fun, engaging the spectators and playing to the moment. At 4-2, he purposefully left himself a shot at the “Big Fish” (a 170 checkout), only for Ilagan to steal the spotlight momentarily with a stunning 148 checkout, drawing admiration and applause from the audience.

With victory within his grasp, Littler had a chance to close out the match in style—a perfect nine-dart leg. He navigated through the first eight darts flawlessly but narrowly missed double 12, leaving him with mixed emotions as he had been on the cusp of darting history. Undeterred, Littler refocused and eventually secured victory after Ilagan missed his shot at tops. It was a tense finish to a thrilling match, but Littler prevailed, booking his place in the last 16 of the prestigious tournament, where he will face Belgium’s Mike De Decker.

Reflecting on the match and his near-miss at perfection, Littler spoke with a mixture of pride and determination. “I was relaxed. I knew I had qualified,” he said, emphasizing his focus on completing the group stages with a perfect 3-0 record. “The important thing was to win and go three out of three in the group. I felt dead relaxed and enjoyed that.” He acknowledged the tantalizing prospect of another nine-darter, a feat he has already achieved four times this year, adding, “I know if I do hit another one, then it’s a record. I know if I play well, I can feel it coming. It didn’t go then—I’ll try again next time.”

Littler’s charisma shone through as he described his interactions with the crowd. “I did quite a lot with the crowd because I knew I was through,” he admitted. “In the next round, I’ll need to focus on the game, but I’ll always get the crowd involved. I just thought to myself, ‘Let’s have some fun.’” His youthful exuberance and ability to balance entertainment with competitive focus have made him a fan favorite and a rising star in the world of darts.

Elsewhere in the Grand Slam of Darts, Group G saw veteran Gary Anderson dominate Noa-Lynn van Leuven, defeating the transgender player 5-2. Van Leuven’s campaign ended without a win, but the experience of competing on such a prominent stage remains significant. The group stage also produced a major upset, with Michael van Gerwen, one of the sport’s most formidable players, crashing out following a narrow 5-4 defeat to Ryan Joyce. The surprise exit of Van Gerwen underscored the unpredictable nature of the tournament and highlighted the high level of competition throughout.

For Littler, the next challenge lies ahead as he prepares to face Mike De Decker in the knockout stages. With his confidence riding high and his form peaking, many believe the young star has what it takes to make a deep run in this prestigious TV darts major. Whether he achieves his goal of another nine-dart finish remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Luke Littler’s journey is just beginning, and fans can expect more electrifying moments from “The Nuke” in the days and years to come. His blend of skill, poise, and infectious enthusiasm ensures he will continue to be a focal point in the sport’s future.

As he moves forward, Littler’s ability to stay relaxed and embrace the moment may well be his greatest asset. The darts world eagerly awaits what comes next for the young talent, who has already proven he belongs among the elite. Whether it’s breaking records, delighting the crowd, or simply winning matches, Littler’s star is on the rise, and there’s no telling just how far he will go.

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