Luke Littler survives late scare to see off a spirited Adam Gawlas, who fought back from 5-1 down to threaten an unlikely victory at the Poland Darts Masters; darts is back on Sky Sports from June 27 with the World Cup in Frankfurt
Luke Littler made a winning start on his Poland Darts Masters debut, fending off a valiant fightback from Adam Gawlas to advance to the quarter-finals with a 6-4 success in Gliwice on Friday.
Littler, 17, survived a late scare to see off UK Open semi-finalist Gawlas, who fought back from 5-1 down to threaten an unlikely victory by taking three successive legs.
“I started off well, but I struggled with the pace of the game,” said Littler, who averaged 96.97 and crashed in four maximums.
“There was always going to be a little bit of rust after my week away, but it was good to be back on stage in front of a great audience. It was like a Premier League night.”
Reigning champion Michael van Gerwen continued his winning record in Poland to set up a quarter-final clash against Boris Krcmar.
The Dutchman began his title defence with a comprehensive 6-1 win over a below-par Karel Sedlacek, while Boris Krcmar defied five 180s from Nathan Aspinall to progress to the quarter-finals with a huge 6-4 victory against the World Matchplay champion.
“I feel great,” admitted Krcmar, who landed a stunning 127 finish on the bull on his way to a landmark victory.
“Nathan is one of the best players in the world. I played well tonight; I was a little bit nervous but I managed to win, so I’m very happy.
“I hope I can keep this form going, and I will give it my best tomorrow.”
Peter Wright returned to winning ways in emphatic style, producing a trio of 15-darters in the closing stages to dispatch big-stage debutant Jacek Krupka 6-0.
Despite missing 28 darts at double, Michael Smith still averaged over 95 to complete a 6-4 victory against home hope Radek Szaganski.
World Champion Luke Humphries joined Van Gerwen in the next round with another routine win, toppling Gyorgy Jehirszki 6-1 in the last contest of the evening.
Polish No 1 Krzysztof Ratajski was crushed 6-1 by Masters champion Stephen Bunting.
The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the competition that will earn the winner £20,000 take place on Saturday.
