Luke Littler powers past Ian White to reach the World Darts Championship’s last-16… as 17-year-old sensation triumphs 4-1 in closely-fought clash with the world No 57

Luke Littler remains in the hunt for his first world title, with the 17-year-old phenomenon reaching the last 16 at Alexandra Palace after beating the wasteful Ian White in a 4-1 victory.

Littler averaged 97.84 so didn’t need to bring his A-game to win, but admitted afterwards he will need to raise his level before facing Ryan Joyce next.

“I saw Ryan’s game,” Littler said. ‘He was very good. I know I have double his – 35 percent is not going to get me anywhere.”

When Littler defeated Ryan Meikle in the final round, he confirmed that victory via the best ever leg at Ally Pally with a record average of 140.91. That included two 11-darters and one 10-darter, but was followed by a reminder of his youthful vulnerability as the teenager burst into tears when his live interview was stopped.

Yet Littler showed little sign of pressure as a tournament favorite this time around. Before his grand entrance, Littler even sang along to his opponent’s walk-on tune – Play That Funky Music – as he waited his turn on the catwalk.

He looked relaxed, the emotional episode before Christmas far behind him, as an expectant crowd in their thousands chanted: “There’s only one Luke Littler.”

And yet White got the chance to claim the opening set with a throw at double tops. He ducked under the wire, but Littler didn’t make the same mistake as he fell behind on a 40 finish himself and landed to take a 1-0 lead. White, who averaged 94.08 to Littler’s 90.44, took the match to the next level with the next set as he seemed to show he wasn’t here to make up the numbers.

That encouraged Littler to take his game to the next level as he powered through the next set with 12, 13 and 14 dart legs. With White failing to convert the chances he had to put the match back in order, Littler stormed into a 3-1 lead and responded with a roar towards the crowd.

Now just one set away from victory, Littler pressed on and secured it with double 10 to set up his last-16 clash with Joyce, the 39-year-old from Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Michael van Gerwen overcame squeaky time to beat Brendan Dolan in a 4-2 win, with the 35-year-old Dutchman even describing his fifth set as ‘absolute rubbish’. He said: ‘I was so happy that double eight went in in the end. I’m through to the next round, so what more could you want for yourself.’ Chris Dobey also defeated Josh Rock 4-2.

Despite White’s efforts, he was unable to upset Littler

Littler was elated as he secured the victory and advanced to the fourth round