‘I’ll be back and up for it again tomorrow’published at 22:37 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
Littler 5-2 Aspinall
Luke Littler, speaking to Sky Sports: “I think we both played very well there but I’m so glad to win.
“The crowd were chanting for Nathan, they wanted a comeback but I had to finish it.
“I wouldn’t say it’s hard to focus. When we each won a set, we gave a fist bump but once we hear ‘game on’, that’s when it’s game on. Afterwards we’ll be fine.”
On expectations: “It’s been fine. The Ryan Meikle game was very tough but ever since it’s felt like last year. I’m playing with absolute confidence, with freedom and now looking on to the semi-finals.”
On facing Stephen Bunting: “The fans have been good for me tonight, they were also good for Stephen and they can take their pick for who they want to support tomorrow.
“I can see quite a few Nuke shirts in here so I might have the better.
“You play, go to sleep, wake up and you play again. I don’t really like having days off because I don’t practice. I know I’ll be back on tomorrow and I’ll be up for it again.”