Luke Littler suffered a surprise turnaround at the Australian Darts Masters, winning his decider to reach the quarter-finals.
At first it looked like the world champion might exit the World Series at the very first stage, as he had a tough fight with the world number 94 Haupai Pooh.
The New Zealander looked a strong contender with the score tied at 5-5, but he saw Littler show his champion qualities to secure a decisive 6-5 victory.
Littler admitted he was not in top form when he came out for the game.
“It wasn't my best game but these things happen in the first game,” he told ITV X.
“It doesn't always look great, but I'm glad I was able to get through it.
“I had to work hard, to be honest, there wasn’t enough practice and people don’t see what’s going on behind the scenes – the biological clock, lack of sleep – it all plays a role.”
Littler will face Damon Heta in the quarter-finals, while world number one Luke Humphries will take on Mike De Decker.
Humphries also had a difficult time getting into the match against New Zealander Johnny Tata, losing the first two rounds, but then managed to bounce back and win with a score of 6:3.
Defending champion Gerwyn Price, who beat Littler in last year's final, opened the tournament with a 6-3 win over Joe Comito, while top seed Stephen Bunting eliminated Brodie Klinge.
Heta won 6-0, with Josh Rock, De Decker and Chris Doby also winning.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
