Luke Littler reveals Mensur Suljovic’s cheeky pre-tournament prediction: ‘See you within the third spherical’

After reserving his spot within the third spherical, Luke Littler revealed Mensur Suljovic’s cheeky pre-tournament premonition.

Littler got here by way of a battle in opposition to David Davies, with the 3-0 scoreline not a real reflection of the robust efficiency from the Welshman.

Nonetheless, Littler confirmed why he’s world No 1 and reigning champion as he upped his ranges to rattle by way of into the post-Christmas stage.

In the meantime, Suljovic got here by way of a feisty contest in opposition to Joe Cullen by which Suljovic got here from a set down to assert a 3-1 victory leaving the ‘Rockstar’ angered by the Austrian’s on-stage behaviour and sluggish play, with referee Kirk Bevans even pressured to intervene.

Cullen criticised his opponent on social media instantly after his defeat, having stopped to provide him a tough stare as he left the stage, though Suljovic insisted his behaviour was not deliberately annoying.

Littler stated he watched the afternoon’s contest after which divulged that Suljovic had really messaged him pre-tournament when the draw was made, predicting their assembly.

“I watched it this afternoon and Mensur [Suljovic] played well,” Littler informed Sky Sports activities.

“Obviously no one knows this, but when the tournament draw came out, Mensur messaged me, and he said ‘see you in round three’.

“So, Mensur, let’s have an excellent sport.”

Littler was also asked about his thoughts on Cullen’s accusations of “dishonest”, to which the 18-year-old laughed away the accusation and stated that it’s merely simply how the Austrian has at all times performed the sport.

“No, it’s not cheating, that’s just how he plays,” Littler stated.

“Joe’s felt like he’s slowed it down, it’s not cheating, it’s just for Mensur he flicks his flight and he’s doing it until he feels settled and if he does it a bit longer against me, then I just have to wait for him and throw my darts.”

“I had a little watch, I didn’t take too much notice of what he was doing,” he added.

“We all know he obviously flicks his flight quite a few times before he throws. I didn’t see anything wrong but obviously Joe spoke out about it.

“If he tries something to try to put me off or sluggish me down, then clearly I’ve received to be prepared for it.”

Whereas Littler is now prepared for the problem Suljovic presents, he admitted that he was anticipating to satisfy Gerwyn Value within the quarter-finals.

Nonetheless, the Welshman suffered the shock defeat of the match as far as he fell to a 3-0 defeat in opposition to Wesley Plaisier.

Littler continued: “On paper everyone expects it to be the seed. You are seeded because you’re high up in the rankings.

“However we now have received video games to win. We’ve met, and I feel he is up for it and clearly I will be up for it after Christmas.”

Suljovic: I’m the larger man!

In the meantime, Suljovic was requested about if he is able to face Littler and joked that he’s the “bigger man”… actually!

“My feeling is good, I played good. In the last two months I have played good,” he stated.

“Every tournament is different, the World Championship is very different.

“I’m larger than Luke Littler.”

Webster: Littler did what champions do!

For Sky Sports activities Darts’ Mark Webster, Littler confirmed a champion mindset however is now anticipating David Davies to go on to huge issues, particularly if he can get his Tour card.

“Champions find a way, and he navigated his way through a tricky first set. He had a bit of luck, but he went through the gears,” Webster stated.

“Once he had that one-set lead, I am not saying he was nervous, but it helped him relax and then he never looked in danger.

“Within the first set you have been considering this might go both approach right here.

“That is what champions do, that is why he is world No 1 and is the man to beat.

“David Davies has missed a giant alternative, however he has a lot expertise, he’ll know the place it went unsuitable. He missed too many doubles, it is so simple as that.

“He can leave here with his head held high. When you see a 3-0 scoreline you can think it is routine but it was far from routine.

“Davies seems like he’s a participant made for the massive stage so now he must go away, get that Tour card, and there’s a lot extra to return from him.

“The game against Mensur (Suljovic) is one I think Littler will adapt to, I think he will be fine.”

Who will win the Paddy Energy World Darts Championship? Watch each match solely stay right through till January 3 on Sky Sports activities’ devoted darts channel (Sky channel 407 from December 10). Stream darts and extra prime sport with NOW.