Reigning world champion Luke Littler progressed to the second round of the World Masters in Milton Keynes after a challenging match against Mike de Decker. Although Littler won the first set, the competition turned intense as the Belgian player responded strongly.
Match Highlights
- Event: World Masters Round Two
- Location: Milton Keynes
- Competitors: Luke Littler vs. Mike de Decker
- Age of Littler: 19 years
- Match Format: Best of five sets
De Decker leveled the match by securing a 121 checkout with a bullseye. He then took a 2-1 lead, putting Littler in a tough position. De Decker had a chance to win with a potential 142 checkout but missed on double 11. This opened the door for Littler, who capitalized on the opportunity.
Turning Point
Upon regaining his focus, Littler hit double 16 to tie the match. He started the deciding set with a striking 180, showcasing his resilience under pressure.
Reflecting on the match, Littler described it as a “tough” night. He acknowledged that De Decker deserved the wins in the second and third sets but noted his determination to fight back. “I had to fight back and that’s what I did. I got over the line, found a bit of form and got the win,” he remarked.
Littler’s advancement to the next round emphasizes his strengths as a champion, despite facing significant challenges during the game.
