Luke Littler made a stunning return to the European Tour on Saturday night, cruising into the last 16 of the Czech Darts Open with a remarkable 108.59 average. Despite the world champion's elite level, German opponent Niko Springer pushed him hard throughout, making the victory all the more impressive.
Littler, who had six and a half weeks off, admitted he needed time to readjust to the conditions and heat in Prague. "Yeah, it's definitely, it's been a while coming to these European Tours," he said. "The heat and everything, it's just some of that I've got to get back used to. I could have had six and a half weeks off, but yeah, if I win or if I lost there, I was just saying to myself, it's so good to be back."
The atmosphere and the challenge from Springer made for a thrilling contest. Littler praised his opponent: "Yeah, definitely, full credit. Obviously, I was 5-2 up, and next minute I look at the board, and it's 5-4, and he's got the darts to make it level." The world champion was determined to avoid a deciding leg, adding, "But yeah, I just had to finish it there. I didn't fancy a last leg decider."
What made the 108.59 average even more remarkable was Littler's poor warm-up. "I can't even say I've got rid of a bit of dust because I've just put in a 108 average, but when I was practising backstage, I couldn't hit anything, so I don't know how I've done that," he marvelled.
Next up for Littler is Krzysztof Ratajski in the last 16, a player he faced on the Pro Tour just a week or two ago. "With Krzysztof tomorrow, obviously I played him on the Pro Tour a week or two ago, so I know how to manage Krzysztof as well," Littler said. He acknowledged Ratajski's danger, adding, "But like you said, he's very dangerous, he can be at times, and yeah, I'm just smiling, good to be back."
Despite being in Prague for the third time and bringing his family, Littler has had no time for sightseeing. "Not yet," he replied when asked if he had explored the city. "I don't think I really have time for that now. Maybe if I lost, I might have gone out tomorrow, but yeah, hotel and the stages."
