Luke Littler Stuns Ryan Joyce In Darts Championship Thriller, Advancing To Quarterfinals
Luke Littler, the 22-year-old rising star of darts, pulled off a sensational victory over world number eight Ryan Joyce in the last 16 of the Cazoo UK Open on Friday night. The match, which was played in front of a packed crowd at the Butlin's Minehead Resort, was a thrilling affair that went down to the final dart.
Littler, who is ranked 31st in the world, started the match brightly and took the first set 3-1. Joyce, however, fought back to win the second set 3-2 and level the match. The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading blows. In the end, it was Littler who held his nerve to take the set 3-2 and move one set away from victory.
The Turning Point
The turning point of the match came in the fourth set. Joyce, who was averaging 100+ throughout the match, missed three darts at double 16 to take the set. Littler, who had been struggling to find his rhythm, took advantage and hit double 16 to take the set 3-1 and move 3-1 up in the match.
Finishing In Style
Joyce, who has been one of the most consistent players on the PDC circuit in recent months, was visibly frustrated by Littler's resilience. He fought back to win the fifth set 3-1, but Littler was not to be denied. In the sixth and final set, Littler produced a stunning 121 checkout to seal a famous victory.
The win was Littler's biggest career victory to date and sees him advance to the quarterfinals of the Cazoo UK Open, where he will face another former world champion, Rob Cross.
Littler's Performance
Littler's performance was all the more impressive given that he had been struggling for form in recent months. He had lost his last two matches and had not won a set in either of those defeats. However, he showed great character and resilience to come back from a set down against Joyce and produce the performance of his life.
Littler's victory is a reminder that anything is possible in darts. Even the most inexperienced players can produce a stunning performance on their day. Joyce, who is one of the most experienced players on the circuit, will be kicking himself for missing those darts at double 16 in the fourth set. However, Littler deserves great credit for taking his chances and producing a performance that will live long in the memory.
Reaction From Littler
"I'm absolutely over the moon," said Littler after the match. "I didn't play my best, but I hung in there and took my chances. I'm so pleased to have beaten Ryan, he's a great player. I'm now looking forward to the quarterfinal and hopefully I can keep this run going."
Reaction From Joyce
"I'm very disappointed," said Joyce. "I felt like I played well, but I just couldn't take my chances. I missed those three darts at double 16 in the fourth set and that was the turning point in the match. I would like to congratulate Luke, he played very well and deserved the win."
Conclusion
Luke Littler's victory over Ryan Joyce was a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves through the darts world. Littler, who is still only 22, showed great character and resilience to come back from a set down and produce the performance of his life. He will now face another former world champion, Rob Cross, in the quarterfinals and will be hoping to continue his dream run in the Cazoo UK Open.
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