After securing a spot in the third round, Luke Littler reveals his cheeky pre-tournament predictions for Mensur Suljovic.
Littler survived the battle with David Davis, but the 3-0 scoreline was not an accurate reflection of the Welshman’s strong performance.
But Littler stepped up his game for the post-Christmas stage and showed why he is world No1 and reigning champion.
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Mensur Suljovic defeated Joe Cullen in the second round of the World Championship, but Rockstar was not happy with the Austrian player
Suljovic, on the other hand, fought his way through a heated battle with Joe Cullen, coming back from a set down to win 3-1, but ‘Rockstar’ was so furious with the Austrian’s on-stage behavior and slow play that referee Kirk Bevans was forced to intervene.
Immediately after the defeat, Cullen took to social media to criticize his opponent for stopping and giving him a stern look as he left the stage, but Suljovic insisted his actions were not intended to cause any trouble.
Littler said he was watching the afternoon game and later revealed that Suljovic had actually texted him during the pre-game draw and predicted a matchup between the two.
“I watched it this afternoon and Mensour (Srujovic) was playing well,” Littler told Sky Sports.
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Luke Littler says he got the job done against David Davis, noting that his next opponent, Mensur Suljovic, expected them to meet in the third round
“Of course no one knows, but when we found out the bracket for the tournament, Mensour messaged me and said, ‘See you in the third round.’
“Well then, Mensour, let’s have a good game.”
Littler was also asked his thoughts on Curren’s accusations of “cheating”, but the 18-year-old laughed off the accusations and said it was just the way the Austrian player had always done it.
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Mensur Suljovic responds to accusations of deliberately slow play against Joe Cullen and reveals why the referee sent him off during their second round match at the World Championship
“No, it’s not cheating. That’s the way he plays,” Littler said.
“I feel like Joe has slowed down. It’s not cheating. He’s just flicking the flight for Mensah and letting it settle down. If he does it a little longer against me, I can just wait for him and throw the dart.”
“I had a little watch, but I didn’t really pay attention to what he was doing,” he added.
“We all know he obviously flicks the flight a lot before he throws. There was nothing wrong with me, but obviously Joe talked about it.
“If he tries to disappoint me or do something to slow me down, then of course I have to be ready for that.”
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Luke Littler says he will prepare for Mensur Suljovic’s slowdown strategy when they meet in Round 3 of the World Darts Championship
Littler is ready for the challenge of Suljovic, but admitted he was expecting to face Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals.
However, the Welshman suffered a shock defeat in the tournament as he lost 3-0 to Wesley Pleasure.
Littler added, “On paper, everyone expects to be seeded. You’re seeded because you’re at the top of the rankings.
“But we have a game to win. We’ve played against each other and I think he’s up for it and of course I’ll be up for it after Christmas.”
Suljovic: I’m bigger!
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Mensur Suljovic was in a relaxed mood about facing Luke Littler in the third round of the World Championship.
Meanwhile, Suljovic was asked if he was ready to face Littler and joked that he’s the “bigger guy”…literally!
“I feel good and I played well. I’ve been playing well the last two months,” he said.
“Every tournament is different and the World Championship is also very different.
“I’m bigger than Luke Littler.”
Webster: Littler did the same thing as Champion!
Speaking to Sky Sports Darts’ Mark Webster, Littler gave a champion’s mindset but expects David Davis to achieve big things, especially if he can get his tour card.
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Watch the funny 60 seconds between Luke Littler and David Davis on the fake 170 checkout and walkout.
“Champions find a way, and he got through a tricky first set, had a little bit of luck, and then stepped up a gear,” Webster said.
“I wouldn’t say he was nervous after he got a set lead, but it relaxed him and he was never in danger after that.
“In the first set, you thought this could have gone either way.
“That’s what champions do, and that’s why he’s the No. 1 in the world and the guy to beat.
“David Davis missed a big chance, but he has a lot of experience so he knows where he went wrong. He missed too many doubles. It’s as simple as that.”
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Wayne Mardle and John Peart speak about Joe Cullen’s anger over Mensur Suljovic’s antics in the second round of the World Darts Championship
“He can leave here with his head held high. You look at the 3-0 scoreline and think it’s routine, but it was far from routine.
“Davis looks like a player built for the big stage, so now he needs to go away and get his tour card, but there’s going to be more to him.
“I think Littler will adapt to the match against Mensur (Srujovic) and I think he will be fine.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match live exclusively on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel (Sky channel 407 from 10 December on Sky Channel 407) until 3 January. Stream darts and other top sports now.
