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Luke Littler put on a show in Wolverhampton and reached the Grand Slam semi-finals in a 16-2 domination of Jermaine Wattimena.
Littler got off to the most spectacular start, getting eight darts into a nine-darter in the second leg for a break of throw and ending the first session 4-1 up after seven maximums in just five legs.
There was no slowing Littler down and it took until the ninth leg for him to have a leg without hitting a 180, a symbol of his dominance.
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Littler hesitated before pulling off a classy 167 finish on the bull
The big checkouts then started, with the 17-year-old sensation pinning 104, plus 164 and 167 checkouts on the bull to secure a massive 8-2 lead.
Wattimena was not given a foothold in the game as Littler hit the trebles with such ferocity – the ‘Nuke’ won the next six legs on the spin for a 14-2 advantage.
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Littler takes out 164 with another bull finish
As he then put himself one leg away from a seismic victory with a hold of throw, taking every single chance in a ruthless fashion, he left 110 for the match and nailed it on tops to send the crowd wild.
It is the biggest defeat ever inflicted on anyone in the Grand Slam quarter-finals, overtaking Phil Taylor’s 16-3 drubbing of Michael Smith.
Littler finished with a 105 average, 12 180s, and a 62% success on the doubles.
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Littler hit a classy 110 checkout to seal his semi-final spot
“I felt very confident coming into tonight,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“I played so well. I’m so happy. Fair play to Jermaine. I was too good tonight.
“When you’re playing that good you feel [a nine-darter] coming every time. Every time I go for a 180 the crowd expects it.
“As a player you do feel it coming and hopefully it does come.”
With the win, Littler moves into the world top 16 but it is no surprise to the 17-year-old.
“It just goes to show how well I’ve played in the ranking tournaments,” he added.
“I’ve got myself in the top 16 now. I’ve looked ahead and if I win this competition I go to number five.
“I’m just looking at the semi-final tomorrow.”
What’s next?
The Grand Slam of Darts 2024 comes to its dramatic conclusion on Sunday November 17 with a bumper day of action. The semi-finals take place from 1pm, with the final then at 7pm live on Sky Sports.
Live Grand Slam of Darts
Sunday 17th November 1:00pm
