SPRINGER HOPES UNDERDOG STATUS CAN INSPIRE LITTLER GIANT KILL

NIKO SPRINGER insists being the underdog can bring out his best as he prepares to face Luke Littler at the World Matchplay.

The world No42 has been handed a nightmare first-round draw against the world No1 at the Winter Gardens but believes the challenge could play into his hands.

Springer, 26, has already shown he can thrive against the sport’s biggest names, winning his maiden European Tour title last year after defeating Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen, two of the world’s top three players, during his run.

The German has also enjoyed promising moments this season, reaching a ProTour semi-final, and is aiming to produce another upset when he takes on Littler in Blackpool.

He said: “I think it is possibly the hardest draw you can get.

“But if you see the last month and years when I played on the European Tour, I also played better when I am playing against a higher-ranked player.

“So maybe that suits me. Of course it is going to be very difficult. He is a world-class player and tough to beat.”

But Springer is still searching for his first televised win of the season after suffering early exits at the World Championship and UK Open.

Littler, meanwhile, remains unbeaten at PDC Premier events and is chasing history as he bids to become the first player to complete a clean sweep of every major title.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning