Luke Littler reveals why is he growing ‘frustrated’ at the World Darts Championship as the 17-year-old prepares for third round game in bid to win the title

Luke Littler has revealed why he became ‘frustrated’ during this winter’s World Darts Championship.

The 17-year-old is the favorite to win the title next month after finishing second last year when he lost to namesake Luke Humphries in the final in January.

He beat Ryan Meikle 3-1 in his second round match on Saturday night and will return to action on Saturday when he takes on Ian White, who defeated Ritchie Edhouse in the second round.

If all goes according to plan, he will face Humphries in the semi-finals for seeding, in a match that will see the two best and most incoming players in the world play each other again.

After beating Meikle, he burst into tears while hugging his parents, then explained that he found it difficult to relax on stage during a very difficult match.

Now through Air sportshe has revealed why he gets ‘frustrated’ during the tournament – although it’s not for the worst reason.

The 17-year-old broke down in tears after his third-round victory over Ryan Meikle on Saturday

However, he will face Ian White in the third round this weekend as he continues to strive for glory

“It’s definitely going to be frustrating in a good way,” he said. ‘Obviously as soon as you step up to treble 19 your eyes light up.

“I heard the camera pan around to the winner, so I’m sorry whoever you are! I’ll try again.’

Littler was talking about his nine-dart attempt, where he again missed double 12 and completed a leg in as few darts as possible.

He’s not alone – Damon Heta and Martin Schindler also missed the doubles to secure nine-dart finishes – with one registered in the tournament so far, from Christian Kist.

Tournament sponsor Paddy Power has paid out £180,000 as a result, and will do so at other times when the achievement is achieved.

Each time £60,000 goes to the player, £60,000 to charity and £60,000 to a lucky member of the public.

Had Littler made it to nine, it would have been his fifth of the year, and he would have become the first PDC player to achieve the feat.

He recently missed the ninth darts for perfect legs twice during his run to the final of the Grand Slam of Darts, and revealed he was considering a different route to finishing perfect legs. But that wasn’t the case this time.

Littler also missed a dart for a nine-darter, which would have been his fifth of the year: a record

He is expected to meet rival and defending champion Luke Humphries in the semi-finals

“I didn’t even think about the 51,” he admitted. ‘The cover shots were okay throughout the match.

‘I’ve left 265 a few times and hit the treble 19 well, but maybe I need to think about the treble 17.’