Darts
2024 Grand Slam of Darts: Luke Littler's 180 Blitz Secures Semi-Final Spot
Teenage sensation Luke Littler destroys Jermaine Wattimena, 16-2, to reach the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals on his debut year.
In the third quarterfinal showdown at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts, Luke Littler, the Warrington wonderkid, returned to the oche to face an inspired Jermaine Wattimena.
Despite being ranked 36th on the PDC Order of Merit, Wattimena’s position belied his recent surge in form. The Dutchman had made waves leading into Wolverhampton, having reached his first-ever televised ranking final at the European Championship in Dortmund. His presence in the latter stages of major tournaments was becoming increasingly familiar.
Meanwhile, Littler entered the clash as the tournament favourite and the highest-ranked player remaining, eager to prove why he is the sport’s brightest young star.
The Nuke is on Fire
‘The Nuke’ exploded out of the gate with an astonishing display, hammering in seven 180s within the first five legs. He even came tantalisingly close to a perfect nine-darter, landing eight flawless darts before narrowly missing double 12. This electrifying start propelled him to a commanding 4-1 advantage.
Littler continued to dazzle in the second mini-session, adding jaw-dropping checkouts to his phenomenal scoring power. He claimed four more legs out of the next five, showcasing incredible finishes, including a 104 checkout and back-to-back bullseye hits for checkouts of 164 and 167, surging ahead 8-1.
Littler Dominates with Relentless Power
Wattimena was left stranded as Littler continued his relentless onslaught, giving the Dutchman hardly a glimpse at doubles.
Playing the match of his life, Littler’s three-dart average surged toward 106. He powered through the next five legs in succession, extending his lead to a commanding 13-2 and moving within just three legs of a semi-final spot in his debut year at the tournament.
Teenage Dream Continues
Wattimena couldn’t manage another leg as Littler ruthlessly wrapped up a dominant performance. The 17-year-old secured a spectacular 16-2 victory, capping it off with his fourth ton-plus finish, a brilliant 110 checkout.
This emphatic win tied the record for the largest winning margin in tournament history, matching Phil Taylor’s feats against Scott Waites and Michael Smith.
Littler will now wait to learn his semi-final opponent, as Gian van Veen faces Gary Anderson.
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