‘I don’t think double 20 or double 10 liked me tonight’published at 23:04 Greenwich Mean Time 28 December
Luke Littler, speaking to Sky Sports: “It was tough. Ian threw everything at me. If I hit a 180, he hit a 180 so I always had to stay switched on.
“I wouldn’t say there were nerves, it was a case of settling in quick. First set was OK then the second but after the first break I was really up for it.
“When you’re 3-1, last break, you have that feeling that you’re only three legs away and that’s what I said to myself.”
On the 70 to win fourth set: “It was massive. I don’t think double 20 or double 10 liked me tonight – I don’t think I liked them! But I was thinking of switching up but I stuck with the doubles I know tonight and double 10 got me home.
“The crowd were good for both me and Ian. But if they’re chanting Ian White’s name, I’m going to hit a 180!”
On playing Ryan Joyce: “I watched Ryan’s game and he was very good. I’ve got to hit them doubles – 35% is not going to get me anywhere – but I know what’s gone wrong tonight.
“Most importantly, though, I’ve won.”