Littler survives huge Aspinall scare to keep clean-sweep dream alive

LUKE LITTLER admitted he was “glad the streak is still on” after surviving a huge scare against Nathan Aspinall.

The world No1 trailed 9-8 and The Asp threw for the match in the deciding leg of their World Series Finals last-16 clash.

But Littler, 19, produced a stunning 12-dart break of throw to snatch victory and keep his historic clean-sweep bid alive.

He said: “I’m very happy. I said in my pre-match interview I am just going to get my head down and focus on it.

“We know what Nathan is like. He pushes me all the way and that is what he has done there yet again.

“Maybe if he had a better start in the final leg or in the previous legs it can be a total different game.”

The Nuke had struggled to find his best level during the opening stages, with the match also repeatedly interrupted by the hostile atmosphere inside AFAS Live.

Referee Charlie Corstorphine had to intervene several times to address the crowd after both players became unhappy with whistling.

Littler admitted he never truly found his rhythm until the final session but managed to keep himself in the contest before producing the decisive burst.

He added: “I only played well in the last session. The first two sessions I didn’t feel confident but I managed to get it to 6-6 then my scoring power was better in the third.

“I know my doubling is never going to be 100 per cent perfect in a match. I just have to come back tomorrow and sharpen up.

“I am glad the streak is still on.”

Littler now faces Jonny Clayton in the quarter-final as he continues his bid to add the title to the six major crowns he has already claimed this season.

Words: Aaron Nijjar