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 by 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 on the point of defeat when Worth moved inside a leg of victory, just for the world No 2 to fireplace in a 154 end and lengthen the competition.
Luke Littler checked out an enormous 154 throughout his fourth set in opposition to Gerwyn Worth
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 remaining 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 remaining.
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 glad 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 unquestionably value 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 communicate to the media after his defeat however reacted to the loss on social media, the place he described Littler as enjoying ‘nice in patches’ and questioned whether or not TV majors needs to be performed in impartial venues.
Gerwyn Worth delivered a shocking 156 end in the course of the remaining set to take his match from Luke Littler right into a remaining leg
“Wow gutted,” Worth stated on his Instagram story. “Because of this we have to play majors in impartial venues/nations. Luke was nice in patches on the proper time ultimately, however I misplaced that one once more.”
May Littler face Humphries showdown?
Humphries wanted simply 43 darts to rattle by the opening set in straight legs however discovered himself briefly behind quickly after, as Menzies received the second and began the third with a shocking 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 the right track for an additional TV remaining in opposition to Littler.
Luke Humphries displays on Luke Littler’s quarter-final showdown with Gerwyn Worth and hopes to fulfill the world champion within the World Grand Prix remaining.
Talking about Littler’s win over Worth, Humphries added: “I needed to have a sit down. It was a fantastic recreation however in all probability not the usual they’re able to. It was only a good recreation.
“Generally averages do not make the perfect video games. Hopefully possibly you will see me and Luke [Littler] right here on Sunday.”
How Noppert and Clayton reached Leicester semi-finals
Noppert began the opening match of the night time 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.
Gary Anderson took the primary set in opposition to Danny Noppert in fashion with a 158 checkout on the bullseye
The Dutchman broke again to win the second and fired a superb 156 end on his solution to profitable the third, earlier than responding to Anderson taking out an 86 checkout on the bullseye to shut out victory in one other final-leg decider.
Clayton’s one-sided victory together with him opening the second set with a 118 end and shutting it out with a 130 checkout, earlier than the Welshman signed off a giant win with 112 and 90 finishes in successive legs.
Jonny Clayton checks out 118 and 130 on the bullseye to go 2-0 up in opposition to Dirk van Duijvenbode
“I knew if I did not convey my A-game it might be shut,” Clayton informed Sky Sports activities. “Dirk is a personality and a fantastic participant. I am scrapping by video games. I’ve carried out my job and that is all that counts.”
What’s arising on Saturday?
Littler will now play Clayton within the semi-finals, whereas Noppert will play Humphries.
The semi-finals are performed over the perfect of 9 units earlier than Sunday’s remaining is the perfect of 11 units, with the World Grand Prix champion receiving the £120,000 first prize.
Who will win the Boyle Sports activities World Grand Prix? Watch all through the weekend reside on Sky Sports activities. Reside protection continues Saturday from 8pm on Sky Sports activities+ and eight.30pm on Sky Sports activities Primary Occasion. Stream darts, football, golf, cricket and more contract-free with NOW.
