UK Open champion Andrew Gilding wants a rematch with Luke Littler at the UK Open after losing to the teenager at the World Darts Championship.
Gilding was one of Littler's first victims when the darts sensation took Alexandra Palace by storm over the festive period.
Littler exceeded all expectations in his World Championships debut as he averaged over 106 and thrashed Christian Kist 3-0.
A much tougher test was expected in the next round against No 20 seed Gilding.
Andrew Gilding wants a rematch with Luke Littler
GETTY
But Littler steamrolled past his compatriot before going all the way to reach the final.
The 17-year-old has gone from strength to strength since then as he was included in the exclusive field for the Premier League and has already won a World Series of Darts title along with a Players Championship crown.
He's now back at the UK Open 12 months after he made it through to the fourth round as an amateur qualifier.
This time around Littler received a bye into the fourth round due to his Order of Merit ranking.
He was handed a difficult draw against James Wade, who beat Littler at the Players Championship 4 last month.
But Littler came out on top this time on the main stage to progress to the fifth round.
That raises the chance of him facing Gilding in the next round, who averaged over 94 in his win over Josh Payne.
And the 53-year-old is not shying away from facing Littler if he's drawn against the teenager.
"I'd like to play Luke again," Gilding said with a smile.
Luke Littler is through to the fifth round after beating James Wade
ITV
"That wouldn't be a bad thing.
"I've not had a duck this year so I've won one game now bring on Luke Littler again.
"We'll have another rematch.
"I just hope it's a cracking game."
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Luke Littler could face Andrew Gilding at the UK Open
ITV
The UK Open has already seen a few shocks with Daryl Gurney, Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen being knocked out.
American Leonard Gates was the only qualifier to have made it through to the fourth round, but his run came to an end against Martin Lukeman.
Both the fifth and six rounds will take place on Saturday with the finals scheduled for Sunday where the 2024 UK Open champion will be crowned.
