Luke Littler MUST get knocked out in last-16 of Grand Slam of Darts or no-one else has a chance, says Sky Sports pundit

NO ONE else has a chance if Luke Littler makes it through to the quarter-finals, according to Sky Sports darts pundit Mark Webster.

Luke ‘The Nuke’ went undefeated in the group stage to set up a last-16 clash against Mike De Decker in Wolverhampton tonight.

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Luke Littler must be eliminated in the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts if any other player is to stand a chance, says Mark Webster[/caption]

Mark Webster believes Littler is now the favourite to win the Grand Slam of Darts2023 DeFodi Images

Littler has emerged as the tournament favourite after a flurry of high-profile exits.

These include the top three darts players in the world rankings, Luke Humphries, Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen.

And former player Webster believes Littler’s last-16 clash represents the final chance to halt the teenage sensation before he builds momentum.

The three-time Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist told Sky Sports: “I wasn’t concerned about Littler coming into the tournament.

“He’s had a few setbacks, but he’s been brilliant this year. He breezed the group.

“I stand by what I said about Littler and Humphries. If you’re going to get them out, you’ve got to get them early.

“If you don’t get Luke Littler in this round, I don’t think you do, and I think he goes on to win the event.”

The 17-year-old must overcome newly-crowned World Grand Prix champion De Decker to keep his Grand Slam dream alive.

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The last-16 got underway on Wednesday night, as plumber Cameron Menzies overcame James Wade 10-9.

Rob Cross, Martin Lukeman and Michael Mansell also advanced to the quarter-finals.

The final four second-round matches resume tonight with Littler taking to the stage before Stephen Bunting’s clash against Gary Anderson.

Former darts star Wayne Mardle added: “It’s Littler’s first year on the PDC professional tour. He’s inside the top 16 already. There is a lot to like.

“Mark is right to say he can be the champion come cup collection day because he’s such a tough man to beat.”

Despite maintaining his 100 per cent Grand Slam of Darts record, Littler missed out on a history-making nine-darter.