Luke Littler narrowly avoids being hit by object thrown onto O2 stage during Premier League Darts finals
LUKE LITTLER avoided being hit on the O2 Arena stage by an unidentified flying object before enjoying a sensational comeback over Gerwyn Price.
The Nuke booked his spot in the final with a 10-7 victory against the Welshman in semi-final one of the Premier League Darts Playoffs.
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As he walked on to the oche, Littler applauded the 14,000 fans in the iconic sports arena in North Greenwich, south-west London.
A sponsored foam finger was thrown at the defending world champion, hitting him on the knee, as he stood by his table.
And as the 18-year-old bent over to pick it up, another item was launched at him by someone in the crowd.
It was lucky that it did not hit the tungsten teenager from Warrington as it was thrown with some force by a punter.
Had it made impact, it could have marred his appearance in the climax to the 17-week Prem.
Both Price, 40, and Littler helped each other to kick the missile off the stage before they had their nine warm-up throws.
Littler – who hit a nine-darter when he won the title 12 months ago against Luke Humphries – found himself 6-4 down going into the mid-match TV break.
After going backstage and having a drink, he regrouped and then won six of the next seven legs to inflict pain on the Iceman, who had won six of their previous eight encounters.
It was a stunning comeback and showed why he is the best player in the world.
Littler said: 'The first ten legs I went 6-4 down. As soon as Gezzy hit the double five to go 6-4 up, I went off stage.
'I needed to get myself up for it. The first five or six legs I was nervous. So going into the break it was not what I wanted.
Fans sing along to Luke Littler's walk-on song as darts star shares footage from stage
'I knew myself, especially after last year, I love coming on after having a break.
'I just relaxed myself and got the job done. I stormed off stage as soon as Gez went 6-4 up.
'That was in my own head, I just had to. I sat down, had a drink and cooled myself down.
'I said: 'You know you can do it. You love to come on after a break.' I got the job done.
'I will admit it, I was very nervous. I didn't remember much from last year, but this crowd, they were unbelievable. They got me over the line.
'I just know myself I can relax now and watch the first 10 legs of the other semi-final.'
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