WARRINGTON’S Luke Littler is through to the last sixteen of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton and is now tournament favorite following the exit of current holder Luke Humphries.
When Luke Littler and Luke Humphries turned up in Wolverhampton for the Grand Slam of Darts, not many would have envisioned that after two days of action, the former would already have his last-16 spot secured and the latter would be out with one group game still to go.
Littler dismantled Dimitri Van den Bergh 5-1 to book his spot in the last 16 on his debut in the tournament while Humphries crashed out to James Wade.
Humphries lost 5-3 to Rowby-John Rodriguez on the opening day and the world champion was beaten by the same score by James Wade on Sunday to ensure he cannot advance from Group A.
“What can I say.. gutted to be out of the Grand Slam,” Humphries wrote on social media after the match.
Meanwhile Littler told Sky Sports after his victory: “I played very well, which I’m happy with. I knew if I won, I’d be through. I’d love to top the group.
“Tonight was another top performance. It doesn’t feel as simple as it may look. I know I’m playing well, but up here with the lights on, it’s not easy.
“The belief is growing. Everyone is looking at the reigning champion, who has gone out. Maybe the eyes are on me now, but I’ve got focus on topping the group. I don’t mind the eyes being on me.
“I have to admit, I do get nervous sometimes. With the short format, you need to kick on and win the early legs. As a player you settle into it. If your flow is there, then you can keep it up until the end.”
It was another reminder of the class Littler has in his game, many worrying about his ranking form prior to the Grand Slam after not getting past the first round since the UK Open back in March.
