3 minute read
Sixteen-year-old Luke Littler is into the last four in the darts world championship after thrashing Brendan Dolan 5-1 in the quarter-final in London.
Luke Littler, the kebab-munching 16-year-old who has taken darts by storm, is two matches from becoming world champion after producing another demolition job on a more experienced opponent.
The teenager, roared on by a packed and adoring crowd at north London's Alexandra Palace, beat Northern Ireland's Brendan Dolan 5-1 to become the youngest semi-finalist in the event's history.
Littler was again on ton-up form, recording an average 101.93 on each trip to the board.
The teenager was far too strong for Dolan, who never matched the accuracy he showed in knocking out former world champions Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson.
In the semi-final Littler will face 2018 winner Rob Cross, who will not lack confidence after an astonishing comeback against Chris Dobey 5-4, coming from 4-0 down to win 5-4 in their quarter-final.
Win that and he may come up against another surprise face to make the last four, the unseeded Scott Williams who on Saturday ended the chances of Australia's Damon Heta in the last 16.
Williams overcame three-time champion - and overwhelming favourite - Michael van Gerwen 5-3 in one of the biggest shocks in recent times.
"Michael is probably the best player in my generation, to be here is crazy ridiculous," Williams said.
"He wasn't the Michael van Gerwen we have seen over the last few games, but I don't really care.
"I am just happy to be here for another day."
Van Gerwen's exit confirms Littler's status as a genuine contender to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy on Wednesday.
The unseeded debutant is full of self-belief, and loving the attention.
He spent Sunday sharing a box at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with England international James Maddison to watch Spurs' Premier League match with Bournemouth.
Back at the oche he saw Dolan begin well, winning the first two legs, but roused himself to take the set 3-2 and never looked back.
"It feels unbelievable. I would never have thought I would have got to the semis on my debut year," Littler said.
"Brendan was just another opponent in my way and I have brushed him aside and now I am into the semi-final.
"It's going to take a lot to stop me, based on my performances so far. But it is about whatever Luke Littler turns up.
"I know I have got a good chance and I have got a good feeling I could go all the way tomorrow."