Luke Littler holds off brave James Wade fightback at UK Open to avenge shock defeat with Van Gerwen knocked OUT
LUKE LITTLER got revenge on James Wade by dumping him out in round four of the UK Open.
The Machine beat the teenage sensation on the ProTour last week but could not follow it with a stunning comeback in Minehead on Friday.
Luke Littler withstood a late fight back to beat James WadeITV Sport
2023 runner-up Michael van Gerwen was beaten by Mensur SuljovicRex
Elsewhere, Michael van Gerwen was on the end of a shock defeat to Mensur Suljovic.
The Dutchman struggled throughout despite leading for much of the match before Suljovic roared in front to win 10-7.
Littler reeled in a big fish on his way to a 10-7 victory as he held off a late challenge from his veteran opponent.
Wade was left raising his eyebrow to the camera as his 17-year-old opponent took control of the match.
The three-time winner had broken back with a 167 checkout of himself before the first break.
However, he was left in the dust by Littler in the second period as he reeled off five consecutive legs.
Wade put together a spirited fight back after the second interval by winning five legs on the spin.
It proved too little too late, though, as Littler’s fine finishing helped see him through to the last 32.
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He will return to action on Saturday as he bids to win his first career major.
Friday night’s clash was the first meeting between the pair since the Players Championship Four last week.
Wade came out on top in Leicester by winning 6-5 in a tight affair.
Littler has since picked up two wins in the Premier League to move up to second in the standings after five nights.
