'Luke Littler explains questionable strategy following alarming result against rank 94 global player'
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy, advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australian Darts Masters after a thrilling match against Haupai Puha. However, the outcome could have been different if Littler had hit the bullseye with his third dart in the second-last leg, leaving a score of 170.
In a tense moment, Littler narrowly missed the 170 checkout, a feat that would have won him the match on the spot. Instead, Puha capitalized and pushed the match to a deciding 11th leg, increasing the pressure on Littler.
Littler, known for his affinity with the 170 finish in darts, admitted after the match that he isn't sure why he decided to leave the 170 with the win in his hands. He jokingly claimed that the 170 celebration should be his and his alone, having successfully pulled it off during the Premier League earlier this year.
Despite the missed opportunity, Littler demonstrated composure by winning the final leg with a 13-darter against the throw. The score of the match was 6-5 in favor of Littler.
The 170 is the highest checkout in darts and is considered the hardest to successfully pull off. Littler, who is familiar with hitting the 170, knows he can afford the time to leave himself on it.
In the next round, Littler will face Damon Heta. This will be an exciting match to watch, as both players have shown impressive form in the tournament. The Australian Darts Masters continues to deliver nail-biting matches, and Littler's near miss at the 170 checkout is a testament to the fine margins in darts where a single missed dart can change the momentum and outcome of a match dramatically.
[1] Source: Australian Darts Masters official website [5] Source: Luke Littler's social media post after the match
In a twist of fate, Littler's missed 170 score in the Australian Darts Masters would have sealed his victory against Haupai Puha, had it not been for the subsequent pressure that ensued. Demonstrating the prominence of the Premier League, Littler joked that the 170 celebration, which he achieved in the tournament earlier this year, should have been his and his alone.
