An over-the-moon Ryan Meikle believes the pressure is all on Luke Littler for Saturday’s World Darts second round clash, adding “I’ve got a chance”.
Meikle defeated Fallon Sharrock in their first-round matchup on Tuesday night, coming back from 1-0 down to eventually win 3-2.
Victory meets 17-year-old sensation and fourth seed Littler in her first match on the Alexandra Palace stage since her stunning run to last year’s final.
“For weeks now, since the draw has been announced, people have been saying over and over again: “You can play Littler,” Meikle said.
“Social media and stuff, I was all over the place. I’ve never had so much media attention in my life, and it’s not because of my will.
Luke Littler could face Sherock in the second round of the Worlds
“Everybody wanted a second Littler-Fallon, which I can understand, I know how big it would be, I’m not stupid. But secretly, it gave me more motivation.
“I’m looking forward to playing him and I’m lucky to play him, especially here where everything has happened to him.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
What a year it’s been for Littler, from his 17-year-old World Cup promotion to the Premier League title, we take a look at his amazing 2024
“I’m not going to tell you I’m going to win, but I have a chance, so you never know.”
Meikle will certainly need to improve on his 83.53 average recorded in the win against Sharrock if he is to trouble Littler on Saturday, but says the pressure is off as his rival is heavy favourite.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sherock took a 1-0 lead in the 78th before Meikle made a comeback
“Tonight was too good to pass,” Meikle said. “There’s no pressure on me on Saturday.
“I’m sure he’s going to have a lot of pressure on him, obviously in terms of media and television.
“I don’t want to slow him down or do any tactics. Hopefully I can just relax and play my best game.
“I don’t think he has any weaknesses, to be fair, I think he’s incredible.”
Cherokee was also burdened with higher expectations when he faced Meikle, but it’s now four straight first-round exits for him after his extraordinary, underwhelming third-round debut five years ago.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Cherokee became the first woman to defeat a man in the 2019 World Championship with a victory over Ted Evetts.
“I’m very relieved to get over the line, it was a big battle,” Meikle admitted.
“Fallon didn’t play like he did a few years ago, and I was expecting the best of Fallon.
“She’s a big name and what she’s done for women’s darts is incredible, but I’m glad she didn’t play her best because she probably would have beaten me.
“In terms of tourism, I like to think I’m a better player, but you have to go up there and show it. I don’t know if I did, but I scored a couple of doubles at the end.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Take a look back at the evening session of the third day of the World Darts Championship
What’s next?
We’ve got just one action for you on Wednesday 18 December, which you can watch live on Sky Sports Darts from 7pm.
Jim Williams takes on Paolo Nebrida, Madars Razma takes on Christian Kist and Ricky Evans takes on Gordon Mathers before Nathan Aspinall takes on Leonard Gates.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship Watch every match exclusively live until January 3rd on Sky Sports’ special darts channel. Stream darts and better sports with NOW!.
