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LUKE LITTLER has revealed his World Matchplay bid was dented by secret surgery.
The Nuke says being in hospital for a minor toe op cost him practice time before his opening-round exit against Michael van Gerwen.
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Littler, 17, is now battling with jetlag as he hunts his first title Down Under – in the Australian Darts Masters.
But his revelation over a hospital visit casts new light on his 10-6 loss against a revitalised Van Gerwen in Blackpool last month.
He said: “I think I would have practised more before the Matchplay. Like the Premier League that night I practised for hours and hours before it.
“If I had practised more before the Matchplay it could have been better. But I still had a 100 average against Michael.
“It was good, the atmosphere was crazy. I had a little bit of nerves there as well.
“I enjoyed it and hopefully I can go back and do better next year.
“It’s just crazy that I lose a game. It’s not my opponent wins, it’s me out of the tournament. That’s what happens when it’s me.”
Now in Oz, the teen sensation comfortably beat local veteran Rob Modra 6-2 in his Australian Masters opener in Wollongong on Friday.
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But he admitted he is dealing with a lack of sleep ahead of facing Michael Smith in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Warrington whizkid said: “It’s been good, I’m just trying to get used to the sleeping pattern.
“But I was just glad to drag myself over the line tonight. Hopefully I can perform better tomorrow.
“It’s always good to get the first one out of the way and hopefully win it, which I did.
“It’s easier because I know how they play and how good they can be.
“Like Rob said he missed some crucial darts and it could have gone either way. He let me in and I took my chances.”
He added: “I’ve been enjoying the World Series in Bahrain, Den Bosch, Poland and Madison Square Garden. I enjoy playing in these new places with new crowds.
“When I was going to Bahrain I couldn’t believe it and then I knew what was in store for the World Series. I’m just enjoying it.”
On judging the quality of his performance, he said: “I don’t really know, how did I play then?
“I know it could be a long night tomorrow. If I do get on and win my other games.”
Meanwhile, world champion Luke Humphries cruised past Joe Comito 6-1 while Smith beat Stuart Coburn 6-2.
Inside Littler’s massive rise
LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship.
