Luke Littler produced a career-best display at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship with a whitewash win over Mensur Suljovic, while James Hurrell delivered one of the biggest shocks by defeating Stephen Bunting on Saturday.
The reigning champion averaged over 107, converting 71% of his doubles, as he took the opening seven legs and wrapped up the match with a 124 checkout in the third set. “Tonight felt like a free hit, I had no nerves whatsoever and I let my darts do the talking,” Littler said. “No matter how you win a game, you want to win it in style. Not losing a set at all is a good thing.” He will now face either Damon Heta or Rob Cross in round four.
Hurrell, meanwhile, stunned fourth seed Bunting 4-3 after trailing 2-1 in sets. The Englishman claimed 18 of the 30 legs, averaging over 98 in the process. “I feel amazing, it’s the biggest win of my career,” Hurrell said. “I’ve just beaten the number four in the world. I’m not bothered who I face next.”
Jonny Clayton secured a thrilling 4-3 victory against Niels Zonneveld, averaging over 98 in a contest that saw multiple lead changes. “I had to do my job and I’ve done it today. My doubles were good, thank God!” Clayton remarked, setting up a round four clash with Andreas Harrysson.
Harrysson impressed on debut with a 4-2 win over German number two Ricardo Pietreczko, averaging over 96 and claiming six of the final seven legs. Luke Woodhouse advanced with a 4-1 win over Andrew Gilding, while Krzysztof Ratajski staged a comeback from 3-1 down to edge Wesley Plaisier 4-3, surviving three match darts from the Dutchman and hitting a match-winning 116 checkout.
Round three action continues on Sunday with high-profile clashes, including former World Champions Luke Humphries versus Gabriel Clemens and Michael van Gerwen against Arno Merk, alongside Rob Cross versus Damon Heta and Gary Anderson facing Jermaine Wattimena.
Source: PDC.TV
