Luke Litter visibly displayed his frustration after squandering a chance to beat Gerwyn Price in an entertaining Premier League quarter-final on Thursday.
The 17-year-old took on 'The Iceman' in his first-round fixture at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, but was beaten 6-5 during a mouth-watering affair. But Littler will be kicking himself after missing an opportunity to win the match while the game was locked in at five apiece in the deciding leg.
After both players started by holding their throw, the next six legs were then broken to leave the score 4-4. Price won the ninth leg to move to within one of sealing his semi-final place, but Littler responded to punish the Welshman for missing darts at tops as the teenager took the match to an 11th and final leg.
Price had the advantage of throwing first but it was Littler who edged in front as he hit a 180 to start the leg. Littler usually showed his emotion by giving a first pump and he had the first chance at match darts as he tried to finish on a double-double. However, 'The Nuke' threw his first attempt off the board and missed the opportunity.
It was clear to see how angered Littler was and he decided to slap his wrist against his thighs before appearing to shout "f*** off" as he walked to collect his darts. Price managed to tickle off his 24 to beat Littler and seal his place in the last-four against world No.1 Luke Humphries.
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'Cool Hand' secured a well-earned victory over Nathan Aspinall to reach the semi-final in another match that displayed world-class darts. In the other two quarter-finals, Michael van Gerwen overcame a strong start from Peter Wright to beat the Scot, while Rob Cross squeezed past Michael Smith.
Despite his fine win over Littler, Price's evening came to an end when Humphries beat him 6-3 to set up a final against Van Gerwen, who sealed a 6-4 success over Cross in his semi-final. And it was 'Mighty Mike' who earned his second straight night victory in the Premier League, edging Humphries out 6-5.
Littler was beside himself after missing the chance to beat Price (PDC)As for Littler, this is the first time he has lost in the quarter-final of the Premier League since making his debut two weeks ago. The teenage sensation reached the semi-final in Cardiff on week one, before progressing all the way to the final in Berlin last week, where he was beating Van Gerwen
Speaking after beating Littler in Germany, 'Mighty Mike' sent an ominous message to the youngster. He told Sky Sports: "I'm playing really well and in the important moments I was able to keep the pressure on my opponents. In this format, in the Premier League, you have to be good week after week.
"It's non-stop and I think that was good for me. I was always putting energy into my game and that helps me in the long run. It is only week two. Everyone was saying 'last week you lost in the first round!' Don't worry, it's not a sprint, it's a marathon."
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