LITTLER ADMITS NINE-DARTER 'FELT AMAZING' AFTER MATCHPLAY MASTERCLASS

LUKE LITTLER admitted it “felt amazing” to hit a stunning opening leg nine-darter on the way to the World Matchplay quarter-finals.

The World No.1 smashed in a perfect leg before beating Nathan Aspinall 11-8 in a Winter Gardens classic last night (Tues).

Littler, 19, then missed a dart for a second nine-darter just a couple of legs later. He delivered a 113.68 average, the second highest in Blackpool history, only behind Phil Taylor who produced a 114.99 in 2010.

It was the second time Littler had hit a perfect leg against Aspinall following on from the Bahrain Masters two years ago.

The Asp also played his part in a cracking encounter, saving the match with a blockbuster 170 to send the Blackpool crowd wild. But Littler still got the job done to reach the last eight.

Littler said: "It felt amazing. Probably the best game me and Nathan have played against each other.

"I just saw the averages there, 113 for me, 101 for Nathan.

"Six trebleless visits in 21 legs shows how well I did play.

"Nathan gave it his all, and when I missed double five I knew the 170 was going!

"But I'm just glad to win. He'll never give up.

"The nine-darter just happened, these guys were booing me at the beginning and then they started cheering me on!

"That's two unbelievable performances from myself here. I just have to focus.

"You can never put the trophy in someone's hands after round one or round two. I was watching Luke Humphries' game and wanted him to win. I wanted us to meet in another final.But it wasn't to be. But I'm still here.

"If I carry on the way I did in the first two rounds hopefully I can pick up the title again. But I've just got to focus on whoever I play next."

Words: Phil Lanning

Image: Taylor Lanning