DARTS ACE BELIEVES LITTLER WILL MAUL WATTIMENA

LUKE LITTLER has been tipped to “MAUL” Jermaine Wattimena in round two of the World Matchplay.

World No. 2 Littler stormed into the last 16 with a ruthless 10-2 demolition of Ryan Searle, averaging a monstrous 108.92 and landing five 180s at the Winter Gardens.

‘The Nuke’ will now take on Wattimena in Blackpool and has won all four of their previous encounters.

Former European Champ Paul Nicholson fears it could get ugly for the Dutchman if he doesn’t come out firing.

He said: “This could get ugly for Jermaine. If he does not turn up, Littler is going to maul him.

“I’m pleased Jermaine made the second round, but it never gets any easier.

“The mood Littler was in against Searle — this is going to be as far away from easy as possible.

“It would be one of the biggest shocks in World Matchplay history if Jermaine was to take him out.

“I think he has to lead 4-1 at the first break to stand any chance.

“Even if you look at what Littler is like in a comeback situation in a long format, he’s been way behind against some players and still reeled them in.

“Wattimena is going to have to have the game of his life to make the quarters.”

Chris Mason also believes Littler has been handed the perfect opponent to keep building momentum at the major tournament.

He added: “It is perfect for Littler. It’s just ideal.

“If you pick Littler the ideal practice partner, you choose Jermaine because he has a nice pace and it allows Littler to flow.

“Once Littler is in that flow, he is irresistible.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.