Luke Littler had secret surgery before World Matchplay defeat to Michael van Gerwen
LUKE LITTLER has revealed his World Matchplay bid was dented by secret surgery.
The Nuke says being in hospital for a minor toe op cost him practice time before his opening-round exit against Michael van Gerwen.
Littler, 17, is now battling with jetlag as he hunts his first title Down Under – in the Australian Darts Masters.
But his revelation over a hospital visit casts new light on his 10-6 loss against a revitalised Van Gerwen in Blackpool last month.
He said: “I think I would have practised more before the Matchplay. Like the Premier League that night I practised for hours and hours before it.
“If I had practised more before the Matchplay it could have been better. But I still had a 100 average against Michael.
“It was good, the atmosphere was crazy. I had a little bit of nerves there as well.
“I enjoyed it and hopefully I can go back and do better next year.
“It’s just crazy that I lose a game. It’s not my opponent wins, it’s me out of the tournament. That’s what happens when it’s me.”
Now in Oz, the teen sensation comfortably beat local veteran Rob Modra 6-2 in his Australian Masters opener in Wollongong on Friday.
But he admitted he is dealing with a lack of sleep ahead of facing Michael Smith in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Warrington whizkid said: “It’s been good, I’m just trying to get used to the sleeping pattern.
“But I was just glad to drag myself over the line tonight. Hopefully I can perform better tomorrow.
“It’s always good to get the first one out of the way and hopefully win it, which I did.
“It’s easier because I know how they play and how good they can be.
“Like Rob said he missed some crucial darts and it could have gone either way. He let me in and I took my chances.”
He added: “I’ve been enjoying the World Series in Bahrain, Den Bosch, Poland and Madison Square Garden. I enjoy playing in these new places with new crowds.
“When I was going to Bahrain I couldn’t believe it and then I knew what was in store for the World Series. I’m just enjoying it.”
On judging the quality of his performance, he said: “I don’t really know, how did I play then?
“I know it could be a long night tomorrow. If I do get on and win my other games.”
Meanwhile, world champion Luke Humphries cruised past Joe Comito 6-1 while Smith beat Stuart Coburn 6-2.
Inside Littler's massive rise
LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship.
The Nuke reached the final on his Ally Pally debut at just 16 years of age – smashing records along the way.
He has since joined Jude Bellingham on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list.
And the teenage titan even had to snub an invite from the WWE.
The Sun exclusively revealed that Littler is plotting to create a fitness empire.
He is also cashing in away from the Oche thanks to an Instagram side hustle.
And he’s even the face of a brand new cereal.
The wonderkid has now cemented his place among the tungsten elite by winning the Premier League Darts final – and the £275k top prize.
Check out all of our latest Luke Littler stories.