Reigning PDC world darts champion Luke Littler stands on the brink of a historic third consecutive World Championship final, with only Ryan Searle blocking his path at Alexandra Palace this evening.
Littler Hopes for Celebrity Support from Angry Ginge
The teenage sensation, who defeated Krzysztof Ratajski to reach the semi-finals, has revealed he is trying to get his friend, Celebrity Jungle King Angry Ginge, to attend the crucial match. The celebrity, whose real name is Morgan Burtwhistle, has not yet been to the tournament this year.
"I’ll have to see what he’s doing tomorrow, see if he’s busy," Littler said after his quarter-final victory. "If he’s not busy then we’ll have to get him down. Hopefully I can message him after this and see if he wants to come down."
The Quest for a Perfect Leg and a Stern Semi-Final Test
Littler has also set his sights on achieving a spectacular nine-darter at the Ally Pally, a feat yet to be seen in this year's tournament. The 18-year-old, who already has four televised nine-darters, expressed his desire to deliver one for the fans.
"It’s been a bit frustrating," he admitted, referencing his back-to-back 180s against Ratajski. "We can only build on it. That extra set first to six. Plenty of chances to get it. I’ve not done it yet, but I’d love to."
His opponent, Ryan Searle, presents a unique challenge. Searle has spoken openly about his vision being affected by the genetic condition Dominant Optic Atrophy (DOA), which limits his sight to about six feet. Littler praised his rival's ability, stating, "What he can throw, the 180s the ton-plus averages, with the problems he’s got, it’s unreal."
Littler Ready for the Spotlight and a Repeat Performance
The defending champion is acutely aware that opponents raise their game when facing him. "The biggest thing is that players are always going to turn up somehow," Littler noted. "They’re always going to push me and they’re always going to play better than they did last round. And I’ve always got to be ready for it."
Littler will draw confidence from a dominant 10-2 victory over Searle at this year's World Matchplay in Blackpool. "It was one-sided at the Matchplay and I want it to be one-sided again," he said. "I just want to get the job done and play well. But if Ryan does test me, I’m up for it."
The first semi-final between Luke Littler and Ryan Searle is scheduled for this evening at Alexandra Palace, with the match played over the best of 11 sets. The winner will face either Gary Anderson or Gian van Veen in the final for the Sid Waddell Trophy.
