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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Veal

World Darts Championship: Luke Littler cruises into third round as Gerwyn Price stunned

Safely through: Luke Littler - (Getty Images)

Luke Littler cruised through to the third round of the PDC World Championship as his path to glory opened up after Gerwyn Price's shock exit.

Littler is the favourite to defend his historic title at Alexandra Palace and gave no reason to suggest it will not happen after brushing past Welshman David Davies 3-0.

The 18-year-old was nowhere near his imperious best but did not need to be as he extended his winning streak to 15 senior matches, going back to October 25.

"I was getting away with it, he missed 16 darts at double, but every one he missed was crucial, if he hit them it was a completely different game," Littler said on stage.

"I am glad he missed and I got the job done. I enjoyed it tonight. I was lucky to win the first set, once I got that I was settled and I am happy. I am happy, I'm coming back after Christmas.

"Everyone is on about the £1million (prize money), it's there in front of you, but back-to-back is the only thing I want."

The first real test of his defence was expected to be a quarter-final against Price after Christmas, but that will now not happen after the Welshman was dumped out by the world number 92 Wesley Plaisier.

The giant Dutchman slayed the Welsh dragon with an imperious victory, sending the 2020 champion packing with a 3-0 defeat.

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