Despite being in disbelief at his sensational comeback, Luke Littler was in no mood to celebrate.
Littler took on reigning World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker for a spot in the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam.
It looked like there was only going to be one winner from the outset as De Decker averaged over 116 and broke Littler twice en route to a 4-3 lead.
Although Littler hit back to level the contest, the Belgian quickly pulled away to lead 8-4.
What made De Decker’s surge all the more impressive was the Littler-heavy crowd, who loudly whistled whenever the Grand Prix champion was throwing.
Unfortunately for De Decker, Littler soon caught fire.
Littler broke his rival in the 14th leg before holding on his throw to reduce the deficit to 8-7.
The contest eventually went to a deciding leg at 9-9.
Littler showed nerves of steel to close out the show by ending on D8.
The teenager immediately held his hands up as if to apologise after throwing the winning dart and clearly was not in the mood to celebrate.
“I don’t know if I enjoyed that,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“I’ve got to feel for Mike. I didn’t think I was in the game, but I know I can always switch that gear.
Littler was not pleased with his performance[/caption]
“Early on I was at my normal pace but towards the end I was taking an extra second, and that helped me – I might have to throw like that from now on.
“Coming onto the stage [for the last session], I didn’t think I could overturn the deficit. I just cannot believe it.”
De Decker also addressed the whistling controversy after the game and questioned the presence of the officials given their inability to silence the crowd.
“I asked Kirk Bevin (official) to address the crowd, but he wouldn’t even do that,” De Decker told Viaplay.
“Why is he even there then?”
Bevins shared his perspective on social media after the match as well.
The 17-year-old held his hands up as if to apologise before hugging De Decker[/caption]
In response to a post from Sky Sports commentator Abigail Davies condemning the whistling, Bevins said: “Hear hear. The crowd just get worse when referees address the crowd.
“John McDonald (MC) even addressed the crowd in the break once regarding this and they got worse.
“If you see someone whistling, report it to security and get them kicked out.”
Littler will now face Dutch talent Jermaine Wattimena in the quarter finals on Saturday.
