"It's not quite like the World Championship where I can plot my draw" - Luke Littler plays down importance of Michael van Gerwen's early UK Open exit

Luke Littler survived a a very tricky draw in the fourth round of the UK Open. 'The Nuke' defeated three-time tournament winner, James Wade 10-7.

Littler again averaged above 100. "I’m just glad to get over the line in the end," the teen sensation reflected in his post-match press conference.

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Twelve months ago, aged just 16, Littler qualified for the event through one of the Rileys UK Open Qualifiers. "This tournament is where it all began for myself. I’m loving this experience. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of, and I’m just taking it in my stride."

Littler hasn't suffered defeat to many players in his professional career, but against no one has he lost against more often than Michael van Gerwen. At this UK Open, however, he will not have to worry about that as Van Gerwen surprisingly went down in the fourth round against Mensur Suljovic. "It's not quite like the World Championship where I can plot my draw, see my quarter," Littler says, playing down the importance of van Gerwen's departure. "Whatever name comes out of the hat against me, then I'll be happy to play them."

Littler also responded to the words of Jurgen Klopp (manager of Liverpool football club ed.), who referred to his young players as Liverpool's Littlers after their recent League Cup final win. "I actually watched the final and the younger lads are doing well for themselves just like I am," said Littler, who is a proud Manchester United fan. "But if they want to compare them themselves to me then they can do that. I'm just a 17 year-old kid doing what he loves."