Luke Littler has hailed world No.86 Justin Hood after ‘Happy Feet’ stunned sixth-seed Danny Noppert to book his place in the third round at the PDC World Championship. Hood, who thrashed Welshman Nick Kenny 3-0 in his first round tie last week, followed that up with another impressive performance against Noppert on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old debutant stormed into a 2-0 lead at Alexandra Palace, averaging more than 102 across both sets, hitting 54 per cent of his doubles and three 180s. Although Noppert fought back, winning the next two sets to level it at 2-2 and send the game into a last set decider, Hood held his nerve to edge the Dutchman out.
Hood won a sudden-death leg, pinning a 78 finish in the process to set up a third round tie against world No.62 Ryan Meikle after Christmas. Reacting to a thrilling win for Hood, Littler, who beat David Davies 3-0 on Sunday, sent a message to the Glastonbury arrowsmith as he continued to shine at his first-ever Worlds.
Alongside a photo of Hood speaking to Sky Sports following his win against Noppert, Littler said in a captain: “What a man [penguin emoji, foot step emoji, love heart eyes emoji].”
Across the game, Hood averaged 103.01, hit a remarkable 11 180s and threw 42.86 per cent of his doubles.
Assessing his win, Hood said: “It was a good game and I knew it would be because Danny is a class player. I don’t worry about the pressure, I just throw the darts and if it’s good enough, it’s good enough. Tonight it was.”
Noppert is the 17th seed to fall at the World Championship before Christmas. He followed Daryl Gurney and Peter Wright on Tuesday, with Gary Anderson, Michael van Gerwen and Josh Rock ensuring no more fell in the evening session.
As for Littler, meanwhile, he is set to go up against Mensur Suljovic in his third round tie on Saturday night.
Suljovic, ranked 60th in the world, faced accusations of “cheating” after he beat Joe Cullen 3-1 on Sunday. Cullen made the remark after he was left infuriated with Suljovic’s on-stage antics at Ally Pally.
The Austrian, whose typically slow, ritualistic approach on the oche has long divided opinion, took his time before throwing his darts and between legs – something Cullen did not see eye-to-eye with.
Indeed, post-match, Cullen said on social media: “The old guard will say it’s part of the game but word it how you will – it’s CHEATING! That’s not darts,” wrote the Bradford player.
Speaking after the game, Suljovic said: “I never ever do this as a provocation. “I do it only for my game. Sorry Joe, I never do this – love you man.”
Then after his win against Davies on Sunday, Littler was asked about Cullen’s comments on Suljovic.
“No, it’s not cheating. That’s just how he plays,” Littler replied.
“I took a bit of notice of the match. Obviously Joe’s felt like he’s slowed it down. It’s not cheating. We all know he flicks his flight quite a few times before he throws. He’s doing it until he feels settled.”
There is now a three-day break before the World Championship gets back underway after Christmas. The action restarts with Wesley Plaisier taking on Krzysztof Ratajski on Saturday afternoon.