Luke Littler (17) made an emphatic entrance onto the American stage by convincingly defeating Canadian number one Matt Campbell 6-0 in an astonishing display lasting just 9 minutes and 52 seconds at the US Darts Masters.
Fresh from his Premier League victory in London, the teenage sensation dazzled with an impressive average of 103.66 in his inaugural US match, captivating the audience at a bustling Madison Square Garden.
Littler received an enthusiastic reception from the crowd as he made his entrance to the music of WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, having been personally encouraged by the wrestling superstar earlier in his journey.
Expressing his eagerness after the comfortable win, Littler conveyed to the PDC his excitement for the upcoming matches, stating, “I felt really comfortable and everything just went well. I can’t wait to play tomorrow now.”
Looking ahead, Littler’s next challenge comes in the form of Canadian Jeff Smith, who caused an upset by defeating former world champion Michael Smith 6-1.
Reflecting on his experience, Jeff Smith expressed his fondness for New York and his determination to succeed, asserting, “I’m Jeff Smith, I’m not worried about Luke Littler. He’s a generational talent, there’s no doubt about that, but I just have to worry about what I do.”
With both players displaying confidence and determination, the clash between Littler and Smith promises to be a gripping encounter, with a spot in the semi-finals at stake.
