Luke Littler names darts rival with best mentality in the sport

Luke Littler has risen to the top of darts at just 18 years old, but he doesn’t think he has the best mentality in the sport.

The world champion came through an epic World Matchplay clash with Jermaine Wattimena on Wednesday, showing great character to recover from a nightmare start.

The Nuke looked to be on his way home from Blackpool when he fell 7-2 down to the Dutchman, but battled back impressively.

He eventually prevailed 13-11 and booked his place in the quarter-finals where he will play Andrew Gilding.

Asked if the victory was proof that he has the best mentality in darts, Littler rejected the idea and hailed former Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall as the standout player in that department.

‘I probably wouldn’t say so. I think one of the best players with the best mentality is probably Nathan Aspinall,’ said Littler.

‘If he’s 5-0, 6-0 down he’s going to find a way to come back. I was three or four legs down each time tonight and found a way out of it.

‘I know Nathan so well and all you know he never gives up, he’ll always try to the end. I just said to myself, you’ve got to find something here, pull it out of the bag.’

Littler may not rate his mentality as the best in the game but he is certainly not lacking in confidence as he continues his bid for a first Matchplay title.

‘I’m a World Champion for a reason. I find these gears when I need it,’ he said.

‘I’ve not felt pressure like that since the first round of the World Championship against Ryan Meikle.

‘Jermaine kept putting me under pressure. He was always right behind me, but when I got into the lead I was determined not to let it slip away.’

Littler and Gilding meet on Friday night in what looks like a blockbuster night in Blackpool as Josh Rock also takes on Gerwyn Price in the last eight.

Two of the form players on the planet, Rock edged out Michael van Gerwen 13-11 on Wednesday, while Price hammered Chris Dobey 11-3.

Rock, who beat Price in the World Cup final alongside Northern Ireland teammate Daryl Gurney, was pumped up after downing the Dutch legend.

‘That’s one of the best games I’ve ever been involved in, without a doubt,’ said the 24-year-old.

‘I think you could see by my celebrations at the end what that meant to me. My heart was pumping throughout the whole game.

‘Michael always seems to turn up against me, but I’m so happy to get the win.’

On the other side of the draw rising Dutch star and conqueror of Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, takes on former champion James Wade and Stephen Bunting plays Jonny Clayton.