Luke Littler likened to Phil Taylor after 'hard to comprehend' six-minute win in Grand Slam of Darts debut
Watch now: GB News' sports round-up
Luke Littler has been compared to Phil Taylor by Wayne Mardle following the teenager's impressive start to the Grand Slam of Darts.
Littler has struggled to get going in the televised ranking events in recent months, suffering first-round defeats at the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and European Championships.
The Grand Slam of Darts was an opportunity for Littler to end that streak after being drawn into a group with Dimitri Van den Bergh, Keane Barry and Lourence Ilagan.
And Littler put down a marker in his first group game on Saturday, needing just six minutes to thrash Barry 5-0 while averaging 112.16.
Luke Littler is through to the next round
SKYSPORTS
The 17-year-old then sealed his spot in the knockout stage with another impressive victory over Van den Bergh with one game to spare.
Defending champion Luke Humphries has also been knocked out of the group stage with the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, Stephen Bunting and Cross also at risk.
Mardle feels Littler's confidence on stage is comparable to darts legend Taylor in his prime and has tipped the youngster to continue his current form.
"I can assure you that everyone who gets up here gets nervous, but with Littler it looks like there is nothing," Mardle added.
"There is something so attuned to it, almost like it's just something he does, something he was born to do.
"For someone so inexperienced in life in general, in this new set-up for him, to just get used to these things so quickly is hard to comprehend.
"Littler just deals with it so well and he feels at home. It's a bit like Phil Taylor, that he can relax in a way when he's up on stage.
"And he also has a very similar mindset. He wants to get this game done, relax and enjoy the next game."
Luke Littler has won both his group games
SKYSPORTS
Littler admitted after his six-minute victory that he does get 'nervous' on stage, particularly in short-format matches.
"I played very well, which I'm happy with. I knew if I won, I'd be through. I'd love to top the group," Littler told Sky Sports.
"Tonight was another top performance. It doesn't feel as simple as it may look. I know I'm playing well, but up here with the lights on, it's not easy.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Luke Littler could face Michael Smith in the next round
Getty"The belief is growing. Everyone is looking at the reigning champion, who has gone out. Maybe the eyes are on me now, but I've got focus on topping the group. I don't mind the eyes being on me.
"I have to admit, I do get nervous sometimes. With the short format, you need to kick on and win the early legs. As a player you settle into it. If your flow is there, then you can keep it up until the end."
Littler will face Ilagan in a dead rubber mate in his final group game and could face Mike De Decker or Smith in the next round.
You may like
