Luke Littler hurled his darts to the floor in rage after losing to Gerwyn Price on Premier League night three.
‘The Nuke’ was flying last week in Glasgow as the night winner, and was looking to bring his momentum into the third leg of the Premier League campaign in Dublin.
Sky SportsLittler was furious and angrily tossed his darts on the floor[/caption]
He would take on a resurgent Price in the quarter-finals of the competition, with the former world champion looking to spring a shock.
And the Welshman did exactly that, taking command from the opening dart in Ireland.
Littler was up against both The Iceman’s scoring power and doubling brilliance as well as the crowd, who roared with the 39-year-old.
He raced into a 4-1 lead and despite Littler’s celebrations as he reeled the lead back into an even 4-4 contest, Price held his nerve and claimed the win.
‘The Nuke’ was left very frustrated with his inability to complete the comeback, having stuttered early on when gracing the oche.
And as he departed the stage, Littler had clearly been left extremely frustrated with his performance.
He hurled the case containing his darts to the floor in angry frustration.
The 18-year-old was clearly unhappy with the result, and looked agitated as he left the stage and went behind the curtain to backstage.
Taking to Instagram after the match, the world no.2 said: “Not the way I wanted to follow up the win last week, but loads more darts to play starting with Premier League and UK open next week. Appreciate everyone who came out to support tonight.”
In truth, the result was also down to the brilliance of Price, who was formidable opposition.
And it wasn’t just Littler who ‘The Iceman’ dismantled, as he went on to capture the crown on night three.
Price romped to a win over world No.1 Luke Humphries, reeling in a big 170 finish in the process.
And he defeated Nathan Aspinall in the final to rise to second in the table, proving to be a real handful after his hiatus from the sport last year.
He said: “I want to be a tough nut to crack for every player.
“That’s what I used to be. Maybe two or three years ago I was but since then, I’ve slipped off the radar.
“I’m coming back. I probably wouldn’t have won that game without the crowd. They were fantastic for me.
GettyIt wasn’t to be for Littler on night three who was frustrated with his game[/caption]
“It was like Cardiff all over. I think they feel sorry for us Welsh rugby players.
“My game is in a great place. My mind is in a good place.”
Littler will not be concerned however, and will return to the drawing board next week looking to get his hand raised again in Exeter.
It has been a simply brilliant and whirlwind time in the sport for Littler, so he can expect to meet tough opposition along the way.
