Luke Littler says he is expecting “fireworks” when he takes on Josh Lock in the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.
The last time Littler and Lock met in a major was in a special semifinal at the World Match Play. That’s when “The Nuke” hit a stunning nine-darter en route to a stunning 17-14 victory, then fought back and smashed 10 straight legs.
The Rock hasn’t been at his best in his last 16 wins over Connor Scutt, but Littler is ready to be back to his best when The Rock clashes again.
He gets along well with the Northern Irishman off-season, but he knows they will have to become ‘enemies’ again on the big stage if he is to continue to defend his title alongside his quest to become world number one.
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Josh Locke says he’s grateful to have made it to the quarterfinals despite struggling to hit 180 in his match against Connor Scutt.
“Yes, 100 percent (there will be fireworks),” Littler said.
“Obviously, Josh played far from his best. Averaged 89 points, that’s not Josh. But obviously, if he saw that, he would absolutely kick himself and he’s got to live with that.”
“Because I always want to have a good game, especially with Josh, and hopefully go in with a 5-0 lead, not 5-0 like in match play.
“I think no one is my friend on stage, and I’m alone on stage. I have to do my job. But backstage, I’m always chatting, I’m always laughing. But when I’m on stage, I’m my enemy, so I have to do my job.”
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Highlights of the World Matchplay semi-final between Luke Littler and Josh Locke.
“Josh has been on tour longer than me, but we’ve always had a relationship as buddies. Now he’s joining Target and I’m with Target, so it makes everything a lot easier.”
“We’re all target players and we’re all competing in the same competition. We’re always going to talk to each other, which is really great. But once we’re on stage, we’re enemies.”
“It’s going to be another great fight. Like I said, he didn’t play his best, but I’m confident Josh will be back.”
“His average was 89 points. He could easily score another 10, 15 points on that average against me. I have to expect that to come.”
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Luke Littler’s perfect legs and comparisons to vintage nine-darters have earned my Michael Smith a spot in the 2023 World Darts Championship.
Aiming to be No.1 in the world? Catch me if you can!
Littler now knows that just by securing a spot in a Grand Slam final, he can snatch the world number one spot he has been chasing by usurping Luke Humphries.
Littler sets his goals for “absolutely everything” and admits that no particular goal motivates him.
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Luke Littler says he has his sights set on winning a Grand Slam and becoming world number one after his win over Wessel Nyman.
“If someone plays their best darts, they might catch me, but I felt very good tonight. I have my eyes on the title, world number one, everything,” Littler added.
“I know that if I make it to the finals I can become No. 1 in the world, so I will work hard on each match and hope that I can have another good match like the match play with Josh.”
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