Darts prodigy Luke Littler put in one of, if not the greatest debut performance of all-time at Ally Pally as he blew away Christian Kist.
The world youth champion, 16, has been tipped for big things in the sport having dominated the junior scene – but he exceeded all expectations as he made his Paddy Power World Championship bow on Wednesday (December 20) night.
Littler averaged 110 as he whitewashed the first set, losing just one leg in the second and third and finishing with a 106.12 average as he claimed a 3-0 victory in stunning fashion, including seven 180s.
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To put that into context, only four PDC finals have ever had an average of 107, while former champ Gerwyn Price has never averaged that highly on the same stage.
Sky Sports commentator Dan Dawson said after second leg it was "one of the greatest-ever debut performances" – but fans went even further, with one labelling it: "The most accomplished debut ever seen on the Ally Pally stage."
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"I’ve followed darts a long long time and this is the best kid I’ve ever seen," argued a second, while a third even suggested: "Has to be one of the greatest debut performances on a world stage from any sports person."
A fourth hailed: "Luke Littler – this is silly. What. A. Talent." And a fifth commented: "Luke Littler an absolute freak. 107 average, silly man."
Ricky Evans, meanwhile, admitted: "I was bloody good when I was 16… but Christ I was nowhere near that good." And Wayne Mardle added: "You’ve just witnessed something extraordinary. Luke Littler may be the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen."
After becoming the youngest player in history to win a match at the worlds, Littler said he was "over the moon" ahead of facing Andrew Gilding in the second round tomorrow night.
"I can't believe how quickly I settled into the game," he continued, echoing the thoughts of everyone else. "When I was walking on I felt a bit nervous but as soon as I found the rhythm, I was in.
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"I was 2-1 up and then if I did miss and Christian took it, I had the darts for the final leg. I always fancy myself for a last leg but it was good to do it then.
"[Tonight has] got to be at the top. I've been playing since I was 18 months old, obviously looking up to Phil Taylor. I know he's watching – that's for you, Phil."
Littler, who was on the receiving end of "he's got school in the morning" chants post-match from the Ally Pally crowd, has fallen to 8/1 fourth favourite to win the whole tournament as a result of his stunning showing.
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