Littler shines on UK Open debut with whitewash win over Fullwell as 2023 UK Open continues

PDC
Friday, 03 March 2023 at 13:39
2023jdcf luke littler4
Luke Littler was one of the main stories coming into Friday afternoon's action at the UK Open and it is easy to see why given his opening display against Nick Fullwell.
Littler qualified on his 16th birthday as a Riley's Qualifier making the most of being able to play his first PDC affiliated event after missing out on Q-School due to his age but took apart the Tour Card Holder in a whitewash win 6-0 punishing 13 darts at double with a 93.94 average.
Next is Rusty-Jake Rodriguez on Stage Two in two games time so those wanting to see more of The Nuke won't have to wait long.
While Jelle Klaasen will now head down to the Multi Board Room after seeing off Josh Payne in a tie that featured some big finishes from both but a 6-2 win for 'The Cobra'.
It was a best of 148 from Klaasen with 158 from Payne and it came down to the finishing with Klaasen posting 46.2% on the outer ring, a 92 average and two 180's in an accomplished display.
Speaking of a Cobra, 'The Black Cobra' Jeffrey de Zwaan is through. After a good run on home soil during the European Tour last week, Lukas Wenig who was a late replacement for David Pallett was unable to repeat the feat. It was a 6-3 win for the Dutchman with a 94 average and five 180's.
On the outer boards, Stephen Burton let out a loud roar as he claimed a deciding leg win over Adam Smith-Neale, while there were wins for Christopher Holt, Gary Davey, Jim Moston, Jim McEwan, Jitse van der Wal, Michael Flynn, Niels Zonneveld, Graham Usher.
As well as Karel Sedlacek, Daniel Klose and Arron Monk in a battle dubbed on commentary as the Testosterone battle with Vladimir Andersen with both liking to get pumped up.