"Perhaps, after the startling boos and jeers of Tuesday night's game against Rob Cross, after his salty comments about the barrackers paying his prize money, a certain caution might have been expected. But despite receiving a mixed reception as he entered the stage, Littler quickly won them over in a brutal, nonchalant, princely 33-minute exhibition. The Alexandra Palace multitudes drank a cup of kindness, and by the end all seemed to have been forgiven."
"But as soon as I got on stage, the crowd were absolutely unbelievable. I clapped everyone, just so they knew I wanted them on my side again, and they were tonight. When I was 2-0 up I didn't feel good. It didn't feel comfortable, I was changing where I was holding my dart. Just not practising for two days, being a bit lazy. I've not brought a dartboard down, so I can't really practise. But now we play day after day after day."
Luke Littler moved closer to a consecutive world title with a commanding 5-0 quarter-final win over Krzysztof Ratajski. Littler delivered a ruthless, nonchalant 33-minute performance, landing multiple 180s and securing a decisive early set. The crowd initially gave a mixed reception after previous boos and salty comments about the barrackers, but warmed to Littler as he celebrated and performed. Ratajski enjoyed a remarkable tournament comeback after life-saving brain surgery but was outmatched and struggled on doubles. Littler admitted to feeling uncomfortable early, changing his grip and lacking recent practice, yet expected improvement with consecutive match days.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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