Littler got off to a blistering start in the opening set of the contest as – with an average of 118.66 – he won all three legs to lay down an early marker. The second set followed in a similar fashion as he quickly romped to a two-set advantage.
Despite Littler’s early electric scoring, Aspinall managed to work his way back into the contest and get a set on the board, the two having fun up on the stage as it started to rain maximums.
Littler quickly managed to restore his two-set advantage in the decider of the fourth set with a two-dart combination to take out tops and then a 12-dart leg for a 101 checkout put him just a set away.
“The crowd were chanting for Nathan, they wanted the comeback, but I had to finish it.
“The Ryan Meikle game was very tough but ever since it has felt like last year. I’m just playing with absolute confidence.
“When they’re going in I’m playing with freedom, but now I’m looking on to the semi-finals.
“They’ve [the crowd] been good for me tonight. They’ve also been good to Stephen.
“They can take their pick and support whoever they want to tomorrow. I can see quite a few Nuke shirts in here, so I think I’ve got on the better!”
