Littler makes winning return on Euro Tour after six-month absence

LUKE LITTLER admitted he “couldn’t hit anything” in practice before somehow firing a stunning 108 average on his European Tour return.

The world No1 marked his comeback with a 6-4 victory over Niko Springer at the Czech Darts Open.

Littler, 19, had not played on the circuit for six months after sitting out eight successive events this summer.

The Nuke revealed he was far from convinced he would produce his best darts after struggling during his warm-up.

He said: “I’ve been a while coming to these European Tours. The heat and everything, it is something I have to get used to.

“I’ve had six and a half weeks off. If I won or lost there, I was just saying to myself, it is so good to be back.

“The atmosphere and the game Niko put up against me, full credit.

“I was 5-2 up and next minute I looked at the board, it was 5-4 and he’s got the darts to make it level.

“I just had to finish it there. I didn’t fancy a last-leg decider.

“I can’t even say I got rid of a bit of dust because I just put in a 108 average.

“But when I was practising backstage, I couldn’t hit anything. I don’t know how I did that.”

Littler will now face Polish star Krzysztof Ratajski in round three on Sunday.

He added: “With Niko there, he’s a very quick player. I was just saying to myself don’t get caught up in his pace and speed. I sort of tried to manage it that way.

“With Krzysztof tomorrow, obviously I’ve played him on the ProTour a week or two ago. So I know how to manage Krzysztof as well.

“He’s very dangerous. I’m smiling, it’s good to be back.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning