Luke Littler crashes OUT of Darts World Masters after shock quarter-finals defeat against world No7 Jonny Clayton
LUKE LITTLER crashed out of the Darts World Masters with a shock defeat to Jonny Clayton.
The world champion, 18, went down 4-2 to the Welshman in the quarter-finals in Milton Keynes.
Littler hit more 180s - nine to eight - and his average of 108.50 outscored the 103.96 from his opponent as the teenager looked to add crucial rankings points on his World Masters debut.
But Clayton's finishing was red hot.
He hit 60 per cent of his doubles with nine of 15 - compared to Littler's 35 per cent with seven from 20.
And Clayton, 50, delivered when it mattered most with some key checkouts.
That included tops to secure the all-important third leg of the sixth set after running into a big lead and dumping Littler out.
There was plenty of respect between the pair at the end and Littler showed his class.
He did not hit his top level.
But in truth, this performance was all about the quality of Clayton, who racked up three ton-plus finishes - including a 138 checkout - to Littler's zero.
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Clayton said: "This stage likes me I think.
Luke didn't play his A-game, it's a battle and I got over the line.
"I've got a big smile.
"To be fair, he's a cracking guy and a great darts player.
"He has given me a big lesson the last two times so I've got one back.
"I just tried to concentrate, 'Please hit the treble 20.'
"It went my way, it was my day.
"Finishing is what wins you games - trebles for fun, doubles for dough.
"I'm relaxed, I'm enjoying the tournament and hopefully I can carry on."
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Littler will return to the oche on Thursday on the first night of the 2025 Premier League.
He begins his title defence by facing Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals in Belfast.
