Luke Littler is into the semi-finals of the Boyle Sports activities World Grand Prix after producing a exceptional comeback to stun Gerwyn Worth in a final-leg thriller in Leicester.
The pre-tournament favorite breezed by way of his first two matches with out dropping a set however struggled early throughout in Friday’s blockbuster conflict on the Mattioli Area, the place Worth eased right into a two-set benefit as Littler struggled on doubles.
Littler responded by successful the following set in straight legs though appeared getting ready to defeat when Worth moved inside a leg of victory, just for the world No 2 to fireside in a 154 end and lengthen the competition.
Worth missed three match darts in the course of the fourth set, the place ‘The Nuke’ held throw and broke within the subsequent to take the match to a fifth set, with momentum transferring Littler’s approach after he went 2-0 up within the decider.
A 15-dart maintain from Worth was adopted by a sensational 156 checkout to push the match to a ultimate leg, the place each gamers struggled to get going within the double-start format, earlier than Littler wrapped up an epic victory with a 152 end.
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Luke Littler beat Gerwyn Worth in a final-leg decider with an astonishing 152 checkout
Littler will now face a semi-final showdown with Jonny Clayton, who dropped only one leg throughout a straight-sets demolition on Dirk van Duijvenbode earlier within the night, with Luke Humphries and Danny Noppert the others to progress after a exceptional night.
Noppert got here from a set all the way down to beat Gary Anderson 3-1, whereas world No 1 Humphries – the 2023 champion and 2024 runner-up – defeated Cameron Menzies by the identical margin to maneuver a step nearer to a 3rd consecutive ultimate.
Littler shocked with ‘unusual’ win as Worth ‘gutted’
Each gamers averaged lower than 85 throughout an absorbing contest, regardless of Littler firing 10 maximums and the pair delivering 4 ton-plus checkouts between them, with {the teenager} happy to beat his struggles on the outer ring to ebook his semi-final spot.
“Very, very strange,” Littler advised Sky Sports activities about his efficiency. “I wasn’t comfortable going 2-0 down. First and second set I used to be on the wire each single time. Lacking six in opposition to the darts within the final leg, I used to be saying ‘you possibly can’t be doing that’. My sore throat is unquestionably value it.
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Luke Littler displays on his magical comeback victory in opposition to Gerwyn Worth to make the World Grand Prix semi-finals
“I just thought ‘it’s now or never’ after going 2-0 down. I had to switch on. Find those trebles and not stay on the wire. I switched up going for double 16. Everyone knows double 16 is the one that won me the world championship.”
Worth did not communicate to the media after his defeat however reacted to the loss on social media, the place he described Littler as enjoying ‘nice in patches’ and questioned whether or not TV majors must be performed in impartial venues.
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Gerwyn Worth delivered a surprising 156 end in the course of the ultimate set to take his match from Luke Littler right into a ultimate leg
“Wow gutted,” Worth mentioned on his Instagram story. “This is why we need to play majors in neutral venues/countries. Luke was great in patches at the right time in the end, but I lost that one again.”
Extra to observe…
What’s arising on Saturday?
Littler will now play Clayton within the semi-finals, whereas Danny Noppert will play Luke Humphries.
The semi-finals are performed over the most effective of 9 units earlier than Sunday’s ultimate is the most effective of 11 units, with the World Grand Prix champion receiving the £120,000 first prize.
Who will win the Boyle Sports activities World Grand Prix? Watch all through the weekend reside on Sky Sports activities. Dwell protection continues Saturday from 8pm on Sky Sports activities+ and eight.30pm on Sky Sports activities Important Occasion. Stream darts, soccer, golf, cricket and extra contract-free with NOW.
