Luke Littler showcased his ice-cold precision to defeat Rob Cross in a heart-stopping Premier League Darts quarter-final on Night 11 in Rotterdam, securing a 6-5 victory with a crucial finish in the deciding leg. The 18-year-old prodigy, dubbed “The Nuke,” overcame Cross’ relentless 110 average, surviving a match dart to keep his play-off hopes alive.
The Rotterdam Ahoy crowd was treated to a darts masterclass. Littler, averaging 113, matched Cross’ barrage of 180s and fired a pivotal 96 checkout in an 11-darter to stay in contention. Cross, the 2018 world champion, countered with pinpoint finishes, including an 87 on double 14, forcing a tense final leg. With Cross missing a dart at double 6 for a 126, Littler stepped up, calmly hitting a clinical double to seal the win and ignite the arena.
“That was a proper battle,” Littler told Sky Sports. “Rob’s scoring was unreal, but I held my nerve.” Cross tipped his hat to Littler’s “phenomenal” finishing. The victory strengthens Littler’s Premier League campaign, building on his reputation for clutch moments, like his 167 and 164 checkouts against Cross in Nottingham.
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