Luke Littler secured a hard-fought 4-3 win over Ryan Joyce to reach the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The 17-year-old, who finished as runner-up last year, never trailed but was pushed to the limit by Joyce, who kept battling back. Littler missed a chance to win in the sixth set but regained his focus to take the decider 3-1 and secure the win.
Littler, now the highest-seeded player left after defending champion Luke Humphries’ surprise exit, will face 12th seed Nathan Aspinall in the last eight.
“I just wanted him to miss,” Littler said. “I had a lot of chances at my doubles while Ryan wasn’t close, but I’m happy to win.”
The match started with Littler dominating, hitting four perfect darts and winning the first set 3-1. However, Joyce fought back in a strange second set where all five legs went against the throw, with Littler struggling on his doubles.
Littler then bounced back to take the third set 3-1 with an impressive average of 108.22, despite his ongoing double trouble. Joyce levelled the match by winning the fourth set 3-1, capitalising on Littler’s missed doubles.
After a break, Littler regained his composure to win the fifth set and take the lead once again. Joyce, however, responded with a brilliant 13-darter to break Littler’s throw in the sixth set and forced a decider.
In the final set, Littler produced two 180s and closed it out with a double 12 to seal the victory.
“I wouldn’t say I was nervous,” Littler said. “It was adrenaline. I knew the last leg I told myself to hold my own and I did on that double 12. It shows I can hit it.”
World Darts Championship Quarter-Finals:
- Peter Wright vs Stephen Bunting
- Luke Littler vs Nathan Aspinall
- Chris Dobey vs Gerwyn Price
- Michael van Gerwen vs Callan Rydz
