LUKE LITTLER FLEXED his muscles as he produced a six-minute whitewash of Keane Barry at the Grand Slam of Darts last night.
Littler equalled Phil Taylor’s record for the highest average in the history of the tournament as he threw 112.16 in their Group F clash, which included a 121 checkout.
The teenage star has not had the best record in the majors so far this year but wants to put that right.
He believes he made “a statement” in putting Meathman Barry to the sword.
“I have been practicing, I just wanted to come here and do well, I just made a statement, I am here to win,” Littler said on his on-stage interview.
“I am really pleased to win. I want to top the group, everyone wants to. I’m here.”
Defending champion Luke Humphries was the victim of a big shock as he lost 5-3 to Rowby-John Rodriguez.
The world number one, who now has pressure on games against James Wade and Micky Mansell, was outplayed by the Austrian, who sealed victory with a fine 141 checkout.
Meanwhile, Trans player Noa-Lynn van Leuven’s first taste of the big time ended with a whitewash against Michael van Gerwen.
The 28-year-old, who transitioned in 2021, created history by becoming the first trans player to play in a televised PDC tournament against men.
But it did not go well as three-time world champion Van Gerwen won their Group G clash 5-0 in little over 10 minutes.
The Dutchwoman, who has also qualified for the World Championship next month, has complained of hostility from toxic b******” on the women’s tour but she was paid the biggest compliment possible by Van Gerwen who was ruthless.
Van Leuven had a dart at double in the opening leg but missed and Van Gerwen stole in to take it and then reeled off the next four.
Her task does not get much easier as she plays Gary Anderson in her next group game on Sunday, realistically needing to win to have any chance of progressing.
Michael Smith, champion in 2022, beat Mensur Suljovic 5-2, Anderson won 5-1 against Ryan Joyce and Rob Cross had too much for Leonard Gates.
However, Peter Wright, Dave Chisnall and Wade were beaten.
Has Diego Simeone given an indication that he will play? I’d have thought it was pretty unlikely he’ll play since their medical team said he will need a few weeks to get up to match fitness. I hope I’m wrong though and he plays and scores of course.
Simeone told Spanish media yesterday that he’d start, Barry – I’ve added in a clip from the press conference to the article.
Ah brilliant, thanks a mill.
Barry do some study for f*ck’s sake
I watched a YouTube video the other day of all Torres Liverpool goals. I just don’t understand how he could go from the player he was, to the player he is now. It makes no sense to me. He was truly one of the world’s best when he was at Liverpool.
And also, I’d love to see him regain some form with atletico.
As a united fan even I can stand back and say he was awesome, the day he destroyed Vidic was incredible. But he went from that prolific player to someone who could not score from 2 yards out.