Luke Littler edged past Peter Wright in a last-leg decider at the UK Open (Image: GETTY)
was critical of his own performance against despite sinking the former world champion in a UK Open classic, which went down to a decisive final leg. The Nuke held off an inspired comeback from Snakebite to secure a 10-9 victory and book his place in the next round.
Wright hit three successive ton-plus finishes to recover from 7-4 down and force a decider, which went the way of his teenage opponent. Speaking after the match, Littler described it as a ‘brilliant game’ but admitted that he should have been stronger in the middle part of the contest to prevent Wright from battling back.
The Nuke was delighted to win after going so close to being dumped out (Image: GETTY)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Brilliant game,” he said. “Me and Peter were just on it from the start. I fell asleep a few times in the match! I’d win a few, then lose a few, but I just had to try and come back with Peter having the darts so I could get the break from him.
“It’s always good getting off to 2 or 3-0 starts, but as a darts player, that’s not always going to happen. It happened a few times in this game but I had to come back a few times and that’s what I’ve done to win.”
Littler explained that he was particularly happy to win against a player who is capable of beating just about anybody when he is firing on all cylinders.
He added: “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Peter throw a dart but we all know Peter, two-time world champion. We all know what he’s capable of and it’s good to see him playing his best stuff. As soon as Peter gets that first ton-plus, he’s near enough hitting all of them, which he did against me there.
Don’t miss… [NEWS]
“I just had to get the power scoring going and hit the doubles. I’m usually very good at a last-leg decider, I always back myself. But when you’ve not got the darts, obviously Peter got off to a ton so I thought I’ve got to try and pile the pressure on as I can.
“140, 57 and 134 to leave 170… I was never going for the 170! If Peter was on a 167 or 164-finish, I had the right to go for it. But when he’s not on the double, I had to set the shot up.”
Littler will face Jermaine Wattimena in his next match at the UK Open, with the winner earning a place in the quarter-finals.