Luke Littler is into the semi-finals of the Boyle Sports activities World Grand Prix after producing a exceptional comeback to stun Gerwyn Worth in a final-leg thriller in Leicester.
The pre-tournament favorite breezed via his first two matches with out dropping a set however struggled early throughout in Friday’s blockbuster conflict on the Mattioli Area, the place Worth eased right into a two-set benefit as Littler struggled on doubles.
Littler responded by profitable the subsequent set in straight legs though appeared getting ready to defeat when Worth moved inside a leg of victory, just for the world No 2 to fireside in a 154 end and prolong the competition.
Worth missed three match darts in the course of the fourth set, the place ‘The Nuke’ held throw and broke within the subsequent to take the match to a fifth set, with momentum transferring Littler’s means after he went 2-0 up within the decider.
A 15-dart maintain from Worth was adopted by a sensational 156 checkout to push the match to a ultimate leg, the place each gamers struggled to get going within the double-start format, earlier than Littler wrapped up an epic victory with a 152 end.
Luke Littler beat Gerwyn Worth in a final-leg decider with an astonishing 152 checkout
Littler will now face a semi-final showdown with Jonny Clayton, who dropped only one leg throughout a straight-sets demolition of Dirk van Duijvenbode earlier within the night, with Luke Humphries and Danny Noppert the others to progress after a exceptional night.
Noppert got here from a set all the way down to beat Gary Anderson 3-1, whereas world No 1 Humphries – the 2023 champion and 2024 runner-up – defeated Cameron Menzies by the identical margin to maneuver a step nearer to a 3rd consecutive ultimate.
A take a look at the draw after Friday’s quarter-final session
Littler shocked with ‘unusual’ win as Worth ‘gutted’
Each gamers averaged lower than 85 throughout an absorbing contest, regardless of Littler firing 10 maximums and the pair delivering 4 ton-plus checkouts between them, with {the teenager} happy to beat his struggles on the outer ring to ebook his semi-final spot.
“Very, very unusual,” Littler informed Sky Sports activities about his efficiency. “I wasn’t completely happy going 2-0 down. First and second set I used to be on the wire each single time. Lacking six in opposition to the darts within the final leg, I used to be saying ‘you’ll be able to’t be doing that’. My sore throat is certainly price it.
Luke Littler displays on his magical comeback victory in opposition to Gerwyn Worth to make the World Grand Prix semi-finals
“I simply thought ‘it is now or by no means’ after going 2-0 down. I needed to swap on. Discover these trebles and never keep on the wire. I switched up going for double 16. Everybody is aware of double 16 is the one which received me the world championship.”
Worth did not converse to the media after his defeat however reacted to the loss on social media, the place he described Littler as taking part in ‘nice in patches’ and questioned whether or not TV majors needs to be performed in impartial venues.
Gerwyn Worth delivered a surprising 156 end in the course of the ultimate set to take his match from Luke Littler right into a ultimate leg
“Wow gutted,” Worth stated on his Instagram story. “Because of this we have to play majors in impartial venues/international locations. Luke was nice in patches on the proper time in the long run, however I misplaced that one once more.”
May Littler face Humphries showdown?
Humphries wanted simply 43 darts to rattle via the opening set in straight legs however discovered himself briefly behind quickly after, as Menzies received the second and began the third with a surprising 160 checkout.
‘Cool Hand’ discovered enchancment to win every of the subsequent six legs and shut out victory, leaving Humphries – who posted a 91.5 common – remaining on target for an additional TV ultimate in opposition to Littler.
Luke Humphries displays on Luke Littler’s quarter-final showdown with Gerwyn Worth and hopes to satisfy the world champion within the World Grand Prix ultimate.
Talking about Littler’s win over Worth, Humphries added: “I needed to have a sit down. It was an amazing recreation however in all probability not the usual they’re able to. It was only a good recreation.
“Generally averages do not make the very best video games. Hopefully possibly you may see me and Luke [Littler] right here on Sunday.”
How Noppert and Clayton reached Leicester semi-finals
Noppert began the opening match of the evening with a 13-dart break however missed three darts to win the set 3-1, as Anderson adopted an 88 end with a sensational 158 checkout on the bullseye to grab the opening set within the final leg.
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