Luke Littler says he is “expecting the worst” against Mensur Suljovic when they meet in the third round of the World Darts Championship on Saturday night.
Suljovic becomes the latest fighter to attempt an upset against defending champion Littler, who is seeking to become the first man to retain a world title since Gary Anderson in 2016.
Suljovic last played in the third round for Alexandra Palace three years ago, when they lost 4-2 to Michael van Gerwen. Van Gerwen gave the Dutchman a huge scare after winning a dramatic fifth set in the deciding leg with a 161 checkout when he refused himself a dart at the bullseye.
Suljovic was known for his slow play, and during his second-round win over Joe Cullen, he was admonished by referee Kirk Bevins for taking time to periodically go to stage left to celebrate.
“Expect the worst when it comes to the players playing and the crowd. If it’s not as bad as you think, then I’ll be satisfied,” Littler said.
“I don’t prepare to throw slowly or approach the oche slowly. I just practice how I do it.”
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Mensur Suljovic appears to have been reprimanded by referee Kirk Bevins for taking too long to celebrate during the second round of the World Championship.
Littler and Suljovic have never faced each other before, but the Austrian will need to produce the best performance of his career to defeat the world number one.
“I felt good and played well,” Suljovic texted Littler before the tournament, “See you in the third round.”
“Every tournament is different, but the World Championship is also very different. I’m bigger than Luke Littler!”
Littler added, “On paper, everyone expects to be seeded. We’re seeded because we’re high in the rankings. But we have a game to win. We’re playing and I think he’s up for it, and of course I’ll be up for it.”
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Mensur Suljovic was in a relaxed mood about facing Luke Littler in the third round of the World Championship
Littler downplays pressure on Taylor to achieve record
‘The Nuke’ reached the finals in both of his first two appearances at the World Darts Championship, finishing second to Luke Humphries on his debut before defeating Van Gerwen in last year’s showpiece to win the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Littler said earlier this year that he was “capable of” chasing Taylor’s record of 16 world championship appearances, 14 of them in the PDC, but has since downplayed the possibility of breaking that record.
Asked if he had a goal for a world title, Littler told Sky Sports: “Not in my head, no. The conversation is always, ‘Do I want to break Phil Taylor’s record?'” Personally, I don’t think anyone would.
“Actually, I’ve never told myself how many (world titles) I want. I’m sure one day it will come and I’ll pick a number.”
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Luke Littler says he will prepare for Mensur Suljovic’s slower tactics when they face him in the third round of the World Darts Championship
Littler has enjoyed an impressive 12 months since his World Championship glory, winning TV titles at the British Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and The Players Championship final, but is looking forward to enjoying further success at Alexandra Palace.
“This (winning my second title) is (the most important) thing. I only won four majors this year, so it’s been a really good year.”
“I was disappointed to lose to Luke (Humphries) in the Premier League, but there’s definitely next year to win what I didn’t get.”
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