Despite White’s best efforts he wasn’t able to cause an upset against Littler
He looked relaxed, that emotional episode before Christmas very much behind him, as an expectant crowd chanted in their thousands: ‘There’s only one Luke Littler.’
That encouraged Littler to raise his game as he cruised through the next set with 12, 13 and 14-dart legs. With White failing to convert the chances he had to bring the match all square again, Littler stormed into a 3-1 lead, responding with a roar towards the crowd.
Now a single set from victory, Littler pressed ahead, securing it with double 10 to set up his last-16 clash with Joyce, the 39-year-old from Newcastle.
Luke Littler remains in hot pursuit of his first world title, with the 17-year-old phenomenon into the last 16 at Alexandra Palace after overcoming a wasteful Ian White in a 4-1 victory.
Littler was delighted as he secured victory and progressed into the fourth round