Luke Littler Shares Disappointment Despite Making World Championship Quarters

Littler‌ Battles Past Joyce ​to Set Up Aspinall clash

Rising darts star Luke⁢ Littler survived a ​scare against Ryan Joyce to book his place in the World darts ‍Championship quarter-finals, setting ⁢up a New Year’s Day showdown with Nathan Aspinall. The 17-year-old prodigy, seeking a record fifth⁣ nine-darter in‌ a ‍single year, edged out Joyce in ‍a thrilling 4-3 encounter on Monday night. Despite facing fierce resistance fromJoyce, Littler managed to average an impressive 111 in⁤ the‍ final set to seal his⁢ victory. The ‌young ​Englishman ‍revealed ​his disappointment at not achieving his goal of ending 2024 ‌with a‍ historic five nine-darters⁢ but remains optimistic about his chances in 2025. “A few of the legs I started off with a 177 and just thought, ‘there’s a treble ​19 out the way!’ ‌obviously I don’t end the ‌year with ⁤five nine-darters but hopefully I can start the ⁤year off strong and ⁤get a nine⁤ for everyone,” Littler‌ admitted. The match⁤ was a back-and-forth affair, with both players trading blows throughout. “I went into 10th gear at ⁢one point. I had ​to. I just‌ said to Ryan,​ ‘I thought ​you didn’t have your power scoring with you?’ He ‌hit everything at me. I‌ had to dig deep,” Littler said, emphasizing the ⁣intensity ​of the contest. “I⁢ just wanted‍ him ‍to miss. I ⁣had a lot of chances with my doubles but I’m happy to win. ‌I ⁣wouldn’t ‍say⁣ I was⁤ nervous – it ‌was more the adrenaline – but I knew in the ⁣last leg I had to hold my own⁤ and I‍ did on that double 12, which shows I can hit it.” Littler’s ⁣focus now shifts to his‍ upcoming quarter-final ​clash against Aspinall. ⁤The two ⁢players are familiar foes, having previously met in the Premier League. “Me‍ and Nath have played plenty of times in the Premier League. He played very well this afternoon ⁤against Ricardo [Pietreczko]. ⁤I’ve just seen then I ⁢had 103 [average] which I’m very happy with. Another 14‌ 180s,” Littler noted. Aspinall, who effortlessly dispatched Ricardo Pietreczko 4-0 earlier in the day, ‌exuded confidence ‌ahead of ⁢his encounter‌ with Littler. He expressed his frustration‍ at ⁤being ⁢continually⁤ underestimated, stating: “You underestimate me, all of you.I never get any respect. I’m not going to go all Joe Cullen here,‍ but I always get written off.” The experienced Englishman,⁣ a two-time ‍major champion, emphasized⁤ his determination⁤ to prove his doubters wrong. “No one ever talks about me and‍ I’m a‍ fantastic dart player. I’ve come thru so ‌much, come ‌back⁤ fighting​ and keep ⁢proving people wrong​ time​ and time ‍again.⁤ “It’s up to‌ me to go up on​ that⁣ stage and prove⁢ you lot wrong who write ​me off. I’ll do my thing, I’m past it now,‌ it’s ⁢been years and ‍years and ​years of worrying what other people ⁣think​ about me. I don’t care anymore. “I’m going to go up there,play my darts.Win, lose, whatever, I’m just going to enjoy myself. I’ve‌ got a fantastic life.My family want for nowt, I’m making money playing darts, I’m just going⁢ to go⁣ up there and enjoy myself,” Aspinall declared.
This appears to⁤ be part of a news article about⁣ a sporting event, specifically a fight between Littler and Joyce​ which sets up a future match with Aspinall.



Here’s how I’d start constructing an‍ interview based‌ on⁢ this ⁤data:



**Editor:** “[Alex Reed Name],congratulations on yoru incredible‌ victory‌ against Joyce today! That‍ was a​ truly thrilling​ match. Can you ​tell ⁣us a little ⁣about your strategy⁢ going into the fight, and how ⁢you ⁤were‍ able to overcome Joyce’s [mention Joyce’s strengths, e.g., powerful jab, strong defense]?



**[Alex Reed Name]:** ⁢ [Alex Reed’s response about strategy, training, and the fight itself]



From here, I’d continue the interview ⁣by exploring these potential topics:



* **The ​Upcoming‍ Fight with Aspinall:**



* **Editor:** Now, you’ve secured your place​ in the ring against Aspinall. ⁢What are‍ your‌ thoughts on him as an opponent?

⁤ * **Editor:** How will you​ prepare⁢ for Aspinall’s style of fighting?



* **The Alex Reed’s Feelings:**

⁢* **Editor:** This win must feel amazing. How are⁢ you celebrating tonight?

⁣ * **Editor:** What does this win mean for your career?

* **Looking‌ Ahead:**

⁢ * **editor:** What ​are ‌your goals for the rest of the ⁢year/next season?



Remember, a good interview allows⁤ the Alex Reed to ​share their story while drawing ⁢out insightful answers. ‍By tailoring questions⁢ to the specific⁣ details of the fight and the Alex Reed’s personality, we can create a compelling and engaging interview for our Archyde readers.







Let me know if you’d like me‍ to expand⁤ on any ⁤of these questions or explore other potential interview angles!
## Rising Star Littler Sets Sights on Aspinall After Thrilling Joyce Victory



**Archyde:** Luke, congratulations on a hard-fought victory over Ryan Joyce! You’re through to the World Darts Championship quarter-finals. How are you feeling?



**Littler:** [thoughtful pause] It was a tough match! Ryan really pushed me all the way, and I had to dig deep to get over the line.



**Archyde:** You mentioned digging deep. That final set was incredibly tense. Can you walk us through your mindset going into that final leg?



**Littler:** It was definitely adrenaline more than nerves at that point.I knew I needed to hold my own on the doubles, and thankfully, I managed to sink that double 12! I’m just happy to get the win and move on.



**Archyde:** You were chasing a historical fifth nine-darter this year. Despite falling short, you still had some impressive scoring tonight.



**Littler:** [chuckles] Yeah, I had a few legs where I started strong with a 177. You always dream of hitting that perfect leg, but it wasn’t meant to be this time.



I’m still striving for that fifth nine-darter. Hopefully,I can start 2025 off strong and make it happen.



**Archyde:** You’re facing Nathan Aspinall next.



That’s a big game. You’ve faced each other before in the Premier league.What are you expecting?



**littler:** me and Nath have played plenty of times in the Premier League.He played very well this afternoon against Ricardo [Pietreczko]. I saw that he had a 103 average, which is strong! I’m happy with my own performance tonight – another 14 180s! I know it’s going to be a tough match, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.