Luke Littler powers past Ian White to reach the World Darts Championship’s last-16… as 17-year-old sensation triumphs 4-1 in closely-fought clash with the world No 57

Luke Littler remains in hot pursuit of his first world title, with the 17-year-old phenomenon into the last 16 at Alexandra Palace after overcoming a wasteful Ian White in a 4-1 victory.

Littler averaged 97.84 so did not have to bring his A game to win but admitted afterwards he will need to raise his levels ahead of facing Ryan Joyce next.

‘I watched Ryan’s game,’ Littler said. ‘He was very good. I know I’ve got to him them doubles – 35 per cent is not going to get me anywhere.’

When Littler overcame Ryan Meikle in the last round, he confirmed that victory via the greatest leg ever seen at Ally Pally with a record-breaking average of 140.91. That included two 11-darters and one 10-darter, though then followed a reminder of his youthful fragility when the teenager broke down in tears as his live interview was abandoned.

Yet Littler showed few signs of the pressure as tournament favourite getting to him this time. Before his big entrance, Littler was even singing along to his opponent’s walk-on tune – Play That Funky Music – as he waited for his turn on the catwalk.

He looked relaxed, that emotional episode before Christmas very much behind him, as an expectant crowd chanted in their thousands: ‘There’s only one Luke Littler.’

And yet, White had the chance to claim the opening set with a throw at double tops. He dipped below the wire, but Littler did not make the same mistake when left on a 40 finish himself, landing it to take a 1-0 lead. White, who was averaging 94.08 to Littler’s 90.44, levelled up the match with the next set as he looked to show he was not here to make up the numbers.

That encouraged Littler to raise his game as he cruised through the next set with 12, 13 and 14-dart legs. With White failing to convert the chances he had to bring the match all square again, Littler stormed into a 3-1 lead, responding with a roar towards the crowd.

Now a single set from victory, Littler pressed ahead, securing it with double 10 to set up his last-16 clash with Joyce, the 39-year-old from Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Michael van Gerwen overcame squeaky bum time to see off Brendan Dolan in a 4-2 win, with the 35-year-old Dutchman even describing his fifth set as ‘absolute crap’. He said: ‘I was so glad that double eight went in at the end. I’m through to the next round so what more can you wish for yourself.’ Chris Dobey also defeated Josh Rock 4-2.