Luke Littler MUST get knocked out in last-16 of Grand Slam of Darts or no-one else has a chance, says Sky Sports pundit
NO ONE else has a chance if Luke Littler makes it through to the quarter-finals, according to Sky Sports darts pundit Mark Webster.
Luke ‘The Nuke’ went undefeated in the group stage to set up a last-16 clash against Mike De Decker in Wolverhampton tonight.
Littler has emerged as the tournament favourite after a flurry of high-profile exits.
These include the top three darts players in the world rankings, Luke Humphries, Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen.
And former player Webster believes Littler’s last-16 clash represents the final chance to halt the teenage sensation before he builds momentum.
The three-time Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist told Sky Sports: “I wasn’t concerned about Littler coming into the tournament.
“He’s had a few setbacks, but he’s been brilliant this year. He breezed the group.
“I stand by what I said about Littler and Humphries. If you’re going to get them out, you’ve got to get them early.
“If you don’t get Luke Littler in this round, I don’t think you do, and I think he goes on to win the event.”
The 17-year-old must overcome newly-crowned World Grand Prix champion De Decker to keep his Grand Slam dream alive.
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The last-16 got underway on Wednesday night, as plumber Cameron Menzies overcame James Wade 10-9.
Rob Cross, Martin Lukeman and Michael Mansell also advanced to the quarter-finals.
The final four second-round matches resume tonight with Littler taking to the stage before Stephen Bunting’s clash against Gary Anderson.
Former darts star Wayne Mardle added: “It’s Littler’s first year on the PDC professional tour. He’s inside the top 16 already. There is a lot to like.
“Mark is right to say he can be the champion come cup collection day because he’s such a tough man to beat.”
Despite maintaining his 100 per cent Grand Slam of Darts record, Littler missed out on a history-making nine-darter.
Who are the favourites?
Here are the current odds:
- Luke Littler – 6/4
- Rob Cross – 5/1
- Gary Anderson – 6/1
- Cameron Menzies – 12/1
- Stephen Bunting – 16/1
- Gian van Veen – 16/1
- Mike De Decker – 20/1
- Martin Lukeman – 22/1
- Jermaine Wattimena – 25/1
- Mickey Mansell – 25/1
- Dimitri van den Bergh – 40/1
- Ryan Joyce – 50/1