AK BETS TOP PRICE 21/10 LUKE LITTLER TO WIN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

By Phil Lanning

BARBER Ryan Meikle says beating Gary Anderson has given him the confidence to cut Luke Littler down to size.

The Ipswich crimper takes on the teen sensation On Saturday night as the Ally Pally finally welcomes back the sport’s biggest name.

But Meikle, 28, is adamant he can spoil The Nuke’s return to London thanks to brimming belief after taking victory over Ando in the Players Championship last month.

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He said: “I beat Gary Anderson and it was massive. Especially on TV, ITV, , that was the confidence and belief that I needed.

“Before I beat Gary, a couple of the EuroTours and appearances on the big stage, I wasn’t very good. So to beat Gary gave me a lot of confidence going into these worlds. I play Luke on Saturday, I hope I play my own game and we will see what happens.

“I’m excited. I have been excited for weeks now since the draw came out and people said, you might play Luke Littler. I had a tough game against Fallon.

“Swear down, I had not thought about it but after beating Fallon, I have been more excited. I wouldn’t say I am going to win.

“He is unbelievable. I have a chance. I am still in. So we never know. I know how big it would have been if Fallon had played Littler on Saturday.”

Just days after Littler won BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, it’s his first return to the Ally Pally since finishing runner-up in the final a year ago.

The focus on the Ally Pally will be massive for this clash.

He added: “The pressure has been intense. At the same time, you couldn’t wish for a better two players in terms of social media.

“I was everywhere, I have never had as much media attention in my life. It is not because of who I am. It is who I have to play potentially.

“I know how good Fallon is, I know how good Luke is. Social media and stuff, I was everywhere, I was not used to that. I am happy to get through.

“This will raise my profile. It was a big one to get through against Fallon. There is no pressure on me on Saturday. I love coming here, it gives me goosebumps every time I am here.

“I can turn up, there is no pressure on me, I am sure there will be a lot of pressure on him, media-wise, TV-wise. I can come here, if I play well, I won’t say I can win, hopefully I can relax and play my best game. Everyone is talking about Luke Littler constantly in the world of darts.”

Littler can struggle against slow players but Meikle dismisses he is that type of thrower.

He added: “I try to get myself into a good rhythm. I don’t want to be known as a slow player. I know people go on about it a lot. I am not looking to slow him down or do any tactics. I want to play well myself.

“I don’t think he has any weaknesses to be fair. I think he’s unbelievable. I am looking forward to it. I feel lucky to play him. Especially here where it has all happened for him.“What Luke did last year, there will be a hell of a lot of pressure on him for Saturday. I was terrible against Fallon. There is a lot of pressure on him. You just never know. A lot of seeds have already gone. Honestly, you just never know what is going to happen.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.