World champion Luke Littler delivered another commanding performance at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, defeating Ross Smith 4-1 to secure his place in the quarter-finals of the prestigious Winmau World Masters.
Littler Maintains Dominant Form
Fresh from his dramatic 3-2 victory over Mike De Decker on Friday night, where he survived a match dart, Littler appeared in formidable form from the outset. The reigning world champion claimed the opening set with an impressive 116 average, immediately putting pressure on his opponent.
Smith's Resistance Briefly Emerges
Former European champion Smith showed flashes of brilliance, landing two maximums at the start of the second set. However, he squandered a crucial opportunity by busting his 59 finish, allowing Littler to capitalise. The world champion seized the moment, taking out 84 on the bullseye before securing the set with a 13-dart hold to establish a 2-0 lead.
The match continued to follow a similar pattern as Littler maintained control. He opened the third set with another maximum and efficiently moved through the gears, eventually nailing double top to extend his advantage to 3-0.
Brief Revival from Smith
Smith managed to halt Littler's momentum by holding his throw at the start of the fourth set. When Littler failed to convert an 85 checkout for the match, slipping his second dart into treble one, Smith capitalised by hitting double 12 to get on the scoreboard heading into the interval.
The fifth set saw both players demonstrate their finishing prowess. Littler opened with a clinical 120 checkout, but Smith responded with great composure, landing a 101 finish to force a deciding leg. Smith applied pressure with a 138 to leave tops, but Littler dug deep, finishing 92 on double eight to seal his quarter-final berth.
Quarter-Final Lineup Takes Shape
Littler will now face Northern Irishman Josh Rock, who secured his own quarter-final spot with a 4-1 victory over Rob Cross in the evening session's opening match. This marks Rock's first appearance in the World Masters quarter-finals.
Elsewhere in the tournament, former Masters champion Stephen Bunting suffered a disappointing exit. The world number seven slumped to a comprehensive 4-0 defeat against Dutchman Danny Noppert, who won eight of the nine legs in their encounter.
Afternoon Session Highlights
Saturday's afternoon session produced several thrilling contests. World Championship runner-up Gian van Veen came from behind to defeat Nathan Aspinall 4-2, with his 56 per cent success rate on doubles proving decisive.
Gerwyn Price staged an impressive comeback from 2-0 down to overcome compatriot Jonny Clayton in a last-set decider. Price finished with a match average of 102, supported by top checkouts of 126 and 161.
James Wade also fought back from losing the opening two sets to edge past veteran Gary Anderson 4-3. Wade will next face Van Veen in what promises to be another compelling match.
Former Masters winner Chris Dobey held off a determined fightback from Damon Heta to progress with a 4-3 victory. Heta, who had knocked out Michael van Gerwen on the opening night, pushed Dobey hard but ultimately fell short against the Australian number one.
