17-year-old Luke Littler, known as 'Luke the Nuke', battled first-night nerves and expectations to secure a 3-1 victory against Ryan Meikle at the Paddy Power PDC World Championship. Despite narrowly missing a nine-darter and the associated £180,000 prize, Littler set a new record average of 140.91.
Darting wunderkind Luke Littler had to overcome first-night nerves at the iconic Alexandra Palace, recalling: 'I don't want to be here.' The 17-year-old sensation made a nervous start before rallying to a stunning 3-1 victory against Ryan Meikle, setting a new record with an average of 140.91 at the Paddy Power PDC World Championship.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about his moments of anxiety and the burden of expectation he felt, Luke the Nuke revealed: 'That was probably the most important game I have ever played. All week I was looking forward and excited to play on the stage with no nerves. The train journey down here was fine.' However, he noted that although the journey was smooth, stepping onto the stage was daunting: 'Then, as soon as I got on that stage, it was like 'I don't want to be here.' In my head, it was tough. But I just dragged myself over the line.' Despite narrowly missing out on a life-changing £180,000 prize for a nine-darter, which would have seen a member of the audience pocket a generous £60k from the pot, Luke expressed regret for not delivering the perfect game, saying: 'I have been told a camera had spun round to the fan who was going to win it. I don't know who he is - I'm sorry! ', reports the Mirror.
Darts PDC World Championship Luke Littler Record Average Stage Fright
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