After Luke Littler’s impressive win at the Polish Darts Open, Josh Locke believes the Warrington ace remains ‘the man to beat’ in this year’s Premier League.
Littler struggled in the first three weeks of the Premier League, but was in devastating form on the way to a dominant win in Krakow at the weekend, averaging more than 108 touches and hitting seven 180s.
The teenage prodigy easily beat Ross Smith, Josh Locke and Chris Dobbie to reach the final and took the title with an 8-4 victory over Jan van Veen, who scored a nine-dart finish in the final.
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Jan van Veen hits an incredible nine darter in the Polish Darts Open final against Luke Littler.
Although Littler is outside the top four in the standings, Lock, who is making his first appearance with a hat trick of 6-2 in the tournament this season, warned other teams, “The Polish Open is a ranking tournament and they always play in ranking tournaments. He’s world number one and he’s world champion for a reason. He’s the guy to beat.”
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Highlights of the Littler vs. Johnny Clayton semi-final match in Glasgow
Lock has lost successive matches to Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Johnny Clayton on Thursday night, but will be hoping to start his campaign by facing World Championship finalist Van Veen in the quarter-finals.
He said: “It’s not that I’m playing poorly. It’s just that everyone is playing better than me. Johnny averaged 110 points, obviously I averaged 106 points, so there’s not much you can do unless you hit 110 points yourself.
“I think[playing in Belfast]will mean more than any other night, for sure, but I wouldn’t say it’s added pressure. I think I’ll probably enjoy it more. All my family and friends will be there, so I don’t think it added any pressure.”
“I was unlucky. For now everyone is just playing well. Now I hope things will turn around.”
Lock, who won the World Cup of Darts with Northern Ireland last year alongside Darryl Gurney, claimed after losing to Michael van Gerwen on the second night in Antwerp that the soap in the toilet when he went to the toilet before the match affected his grip strength.
“Right before I went on stage in Glasgow, I was laughing and joking that I had wipes next to my case just to poke fun at it,” Rock laughed. “That doesn’t bother me.
“I don’t think about the bad things too much, so I’m the type of person who quickly forgets about the bad things. I’ve played well enough here in the Premier League, but I just haven’t got the results yet.”
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Rangers fan Josh Locke booed while walking and training in Glasgow
Lock, a Rangers supporter, was booed by a minority in Glasgow last week, but the 24-year-old added: “I love it. If you’ve seen my walk-on you’ll know, I’m in the Premier League and I know what I’m in for, playing in this big arena, so every time I walk on that ocher I’m smiling.”
“When I was standing in front of the doors opening to the public and we were all practicing on stage, I just looked around and thought, ‘Wow, that’s so big.’ You dream about playing in an arena, and I’m just grateful to be able to play in an arena.”
“I don’t know what to expect from Belfast. Hopefully lots of cheering. I’d like to think I’m obviously a homeboy in the city, but we’ll see what happens.”
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Rock hit this sensational checkout to silence Scotland’s minority
What’s happening on the fourth night of the Premier League in Belfast?
Rock headlines on fourth night of the Premier League in Belfast.
Lock will take center stage, with the Northern Irishman facing fellow Premier League newcomer Van Veen.
Littler will take on Johnny Clayton, Stephen Bunting will take on Humphries, while Michael van Gerwen will aim to return from his absence in Glasgow to face Gerwyn Price in a highly anticipated quarter-final.
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will defend his title and the fight can be seen on Sky Sports every Thursday until May. Stream darts and other top sports now.
