Littler rides the bumps

LUKE LITTLER went for a spin on a dirt track before opening his Bahrain Darts Masters title defence with a 6-3 win against Lourence Ilagan.

- by MIKE WALTERS

And at times, the PDC world champion's first appearance since he conquered Alexandra Palace gave him another bumpy ride.

'Luke the Nuke', who was presented with a golden phone (right) earlier, survived thanks to a 94.36 average, seasoned with four 180s, and will now meet Gerwyn Price in tonight's quarter-final.