LUKES GOOD

Littler sizzles on stage as he wins in just over 10 minutes

- BY DARREN WELLS

LUKE LITTLER delivered on his promise to bring the heat after blazing through his first-round opener in a World Grand Prix Darts thriller with Gian van Veen.

The reigning world champion took just over 10 minutes to book his spot in the next round, despite his Dutch rival posting the highest average in the competition's history.

Littler could not have asked for a trickier draw when he landed top qualifier Van Veen, who was 4-3 ahead in the head-to-head stats between them going into last night's tie in Leicester.

And in a quickfire format suited to the underdog - the world’s No.1 doubles hitter on recent form - it had all the hallmarks of a potential banana skin for Littler, 18.