‘Over the moon’ Ryan Mikel believes all the pressure is on Luke Littler in their second-round match at the World Darts Championship on Saturday, adding: “I’ve got a chance.”
Mikel beat Fallon Sherrock in their first round encounter on Tuesday night, coming back from 1-0 down to eventually win 3-2.
The win sets up a meeting with 17-year-old star and fourth seed Littler, in his first match at Alexandra Palace after bursting onto the scene with his stunning run to last year’s final.
“For weeks, since the draw came out, people have been saying, ‘Maybe you play with Littler,’” Mikel said.
“Social media and so on, I was all over the place — I’ve never had this much media attention in my life, and it’s not because of who I am.
Luke Littler would have faced Sherrock in an exciting second-round match at the World Championship
“Everyone wanted a second round between Littler and Fallon, which I can understand – I know how big that is, I’m not stupid. But secretly, it gave me more motivation.
“I’m looking forward to playing with him and I’m lucky to play with him, especially here, where everything has happened to him.
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“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 the 83.53 average he posted in his win over Sherrock if he is to upset Littler on Saturday, but he says the pressure has been off – with his opponent the favourite.
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Sherrock had a 78 to take a 1-0 lead before Meikle returned
“Tonight was a big night to get through,” Meikle said. “On Saturday, there’s no pressure on me now.
“I’m sure he’ll have a lot of pressure on him, obviously from the media and TV.
“I’m not looking to slow it down or do any kind of tactics. Hopefully I can relax and give my best.
“I don’t think he has any weaknesses, to be fair. I think he’s incredible.”
Sherrock was also burdened with greater expectations when facing Mickley, but it has now been four straight years of first-round exits since her exceptional and groundbreaking third-round debut five years ago.
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Sherrock became the first woman to defeat a man in a world championship in 2019 by defeating Ted Evetts.
“I feel very relieved to get over the line, it was a huge battle,” Mickley admitted.
“Fallon doesn’t play like she did a few years ago, and I expected a better version of Fallon.
“She’s a huge name, and what she’s done in women’s darts is unbelievable, but I’m glad she didn’t play her best, because she probably would have beaten me.
“Tour-wise, average wise, I like to think I’m a better player, but you have to go out there and show it. I don’t know if I did, but I hit some doubles and got there in the end.”
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Take a look at the evening session of Day 3 at the World Darts Championship
What’s next?
We’ve got just one session of action for you on Wednesday 18 December, which you can watch live on Sky Sports Darts from 7pm.
Jim Williams takes on Paolo Nebreda, Madras Razma takes on Christian Keast, while Ricky Evans takes on Gordon Mathers before Nathan Aspinall begins his championship clash against Leonard Gates.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until 3 January on the dedicated darts channel Sky Sports. Stream darts and more of the best sports with NOW.
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