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Luke Littler: I can dominate darts like Phil Taylor if form continues
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Luke Littler, the world No. 1 darts player and defending World Matchplay champion, stated he can dominate the sport like legendary Phil Taylor if he maintains his current form. Following a dominant 16-7 quarter-final win over Josh Rock, where he averaged 109.57 with a 53% doubles success rate and hit 17 180s, Littler expressed confidence in his ability to sustain dominance. He is set to face Dirk van Duijvenbode in the semi-final, live on Sky Sports. Littler aims to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to win back-to-back Matchplay titles. He also noted that a win would push his order of merit earnings toward the £3 million mark. Littler currently holds the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League, and Masters titles, and is defending several other major trophies.
Source report
Mark Webster admits he can't see anyone beating Luke Littler at this year's World Matchplay
Luke Littler says he will dominate darts in the same way Phil Taylor did if he continues his sparkling form.
A scintillating Littler progressed to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay on Thursday with a dominant 16-7 win over Josh Rock, averaging 109.57 with a 53 per cent success rate on the doubles.
On Saturday, 'The Nuke' — who scored 17 180s against Rock in Blackpool — will face Dirk van Duijvenbode in the semi-final, live on Sky Sports.
The world No. 1 is aiming to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to go back-to-back in Blackpool, with few betting against him.
Littler on Dominance
Following his win, Littler was asked by Sky Sports if he is confident he can dominate the sport in the same fashion as all-time great Phil Taylor.
"Yeah, I feel like I can. My averages of 113 and 109 come with the big finishes and the scoring power is there as well with the 180s. As long as I can keep it up, I'm sure I will dominate."
He was then asked about the prospect of being the first player in history to approach £3 million on the Order of Merit.
"I checked the rankings the other day. I think if I beat Dirk [van Duijvenbode], then I will go into that £3m mark. As long as I'm playing like this and producing numbers, it's going to take something special from another player to beat me. I've just got to keep going."
Current Titles and Form
Littler currently holds the following major titles:
- World Darts Championship
- UK Open
- Premier League
- Masters
He is also defending the:
- World Matchplay
- Grand Slam
- Grand Prix
- Players Championship Finals
Such is his form, there are suggestions he could be set for the greatest ever Matchplay performance.
On talk of that prospect, he said:
"I wouldn't say I'm aware of it. I saw something yesterday that Gezzy [Gerwyn Price] is up in the ranks for most legs played. In this competition you don't want to be at the top, you want to be down at the bottom. You don't want to win by two clear legs, you just want to get the job done. As long as I perform like that, I'll be happy."
Immediately after Thursday's win, he added:
"I feel really good up on the stage, preparations beforehand are going really well, just relaxing, playing, relaxing again. I'm just glad I can perform on the biggest stages."
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Source
SkySports | NewsWestern
Part of this Story
Luke Littler Dominates World Matchplay, Reaches Final Against Gerwyn Price