LUKE LITTLER admitted he “fell asleep” before setting up another blockbuster clash with Michael van Gerwen.
The 18-year-old ground out a 6-4 win over Dimitri Van den Bergh in his Dutch Masters opener – after the Belgian had shaken up his walk-on routine.
However, the teen sensation needed to hit three 180s in the last two legs to get over the line after a mid-match slump.
On going up a gear, he admitted: “I had to. Dimitri was behind me all the way.
“But two-nil up, fell asleep and I had to find other gears.
“The World Series is a massive thing. You go to all these different countries. But I would say it’s match practice for the Premier League.”
Van den Bergh surprisingly dumped his classic Happy walk-on song and dance for the occasion.
It was replaced by Play Hard by David Guetta.
When asked about it, Littler replied: “I don’t really know. I think it’s good for us players that he’s not there dancing around!
“So we get to walk-on quicker. He can take his time. It’s a good song.”
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Littler now faces Van Gerwen in the quarters, a repeat of their World Final clash at the Ally Pally three weeks ago.
He added: “Obviously I’d like to get another win and progress to the semi-final.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Luke Littler reacts to being introduced as world champion for first time” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367192686112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“I think Michael might be thinking he wants revenge, especially in his backyard.
“It would be a good thing to beat him in his backyard.
“Like I said, win that game and guarantee myself a place in the semi-final.”
MVG will go into his rematch with Littler sporting a broken toe.
The three-time world champion suffered a freak injury while on holiday with his family in Thailand.
Asked if the injury would hamper him in the tournament, he replied: “[It’s] annoying, but you can’t do anything about it.
“It happened last week on holiday. Accidents can happen. I enjoyed my holiday. I definitely had a nice rest.”