The Alexandra Palace erupted with excitement as Luke Littler continued his electrifying run at the World Darts Championship, dismantling Mensur Suljovic with a commanding 4-0 victory and a remarkable 107.09 average. His performance was a display of precision, landing over 70% of his doubles attempts and solidifying his status as a formidable force in the tournament.
The atmosphere, however, wasn’t universally celebratory. Just hours before, Stephen Bunting, a player who had boldly proclaimed himself “The People’s Champion” and boasted of an unrivaled fanbase, suffered a stunning upset at the hands of James Hurrell. Bunting’s game faltered, averaging a modest 91.43, a far cry from the performance he’d predicted.
Littler, fresh from his win, was playfully asked about the surge in darts’ popularity attributed to his own presence. He didn’t miss an opportunity for a pointed remark, subtly contrasting his own momentum with Bunting’s recent struggles. “Obviously the Luke Littler effect is still going strong,” he quipped, adding with a grin, “I don’t think the Bunting effect is going too well this tournament.”
Hurrell, the victor over Bunting, is riding a wave of confidence. Having previously overcome established players like Jonny Clayton and Luke Woodhouse, he now believes he can advance even further in the competition. He spoke of a newfound clarity in his game, and a steely resolve to continue his unexpected journey.
“Amazing, absolutely amazing,” Hurrell exclaimed after his win, calling it the biggest of his career. He felt he should have won by an even wider margin, and emphasized his relaxed state and unwavering belief in his abilities. He’s now preparing to face either Ryan Searle or Martin Schindler, fully expecting to continue his impressive run.
Despite his dominant performances, Littler revealed a surprising vulnerability. He admitted to struggles with maintaining mental composure on stage, acknowledging a tendency to become frustrated and lose focus. He recognizes this as an area for improvement, a challenge he’s determined to overcome despite his young age.
“If I’m honest, mentally on the stage I don’t think I’m really that good,” Littler confessed. He described moments of frustration leading to reckless throws, but remains optimistic about refining his mental game. He understands that even in commanding leads, maintaining control is crucial.
Littler pinpointed specific triggers for his on-stage frustration: missed doubles and opponents celebrating prematurely. These small irritations, he explained, can momentarily disrupt his concentration. He’s focused on building resilience and minimizing these distractions as he progresses through the tournament.
The fourth round looms, scheduled for the evening of December 29th and the afternoon and evening of December 30th. While the exact schedule remains unconfirmed, all eyes will be on Littler as he prepares for his next challenge, continuing his captivating story at Alexandra Palace.
