Rob Cross sends a message to Littler ahead of quarter-final clash

Ahead of tonight’s match, Cross said: “Luke is an amazing kid, but I still want to beat him.

“He conducts himself brilliantly, he acts like he’s been around the sport for years the way he handles the pressure and the media.

“It’s a big match for both of us. My doubles cost me big time in Cardiff.

“My scoring has been the best of my career. So if I sort the finishing, I’ll be dangerous.”

Littler sends warning

The Nuke has warned his Premier League rivals: “I know I have the ability to beat you all.”

And the teenage darts sensation makes his second Prem appearance in Berlin on Thursday — after reaching the semis on his debut in Cardiff.

The Warrington whizzkid, 17, has already avenged last month’s worlds final defeat to Luke Humphries.

Littler has also beaten ex-champs Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross.

Yet he also revealed his incredible debut pro title win in Bahrain — including a stunning nine-darter — was just a “warm-up” for the elite Premier League.

Reflecting on his “crazy” few weeks in the big-time, The Nuke declared: “The world championship was a big step up.

“But I’ve proven I can play with the best, that is why I have got my shot in the Premier League.

“It was good to win on my debut in Bahrain and become the youngest person to hit a nine-darter.

“But it was just match practice for the Premier League.

“Now we’re kicking on and I know I have the ability to beat the best.”

Night One recap

Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday February 1

Quarter-finals

• Rob Cross 6-3 Peter Wright
• Nathan Aspinall 4-6 Gerwyn Price
• Michael van Gerwen 5-6 Michael Smith
• Luke Littler 6-2 Luke Humphries

Semi-finals

• Michael Smith 6-5 Luke Littler
• Rob Cross 2-6 Gerwyn Price

Final

• Gerwyn Price 2-6 Michael Smith

Tonight’s schedule in Berlin

Quarter-final 1: Nathan Aspinall v Michael van Gerwen, 7.15pm

Quarter-final 2: Michael Smith v Gerwyn Price, 7.45pm

Quarter-final 3: Luke Littler v Rob Cross, 8.15pm

Quarter-final 4: Luke Humphries v Peter Wright, 8.45pm

Semi-final 1: Winner of QF1 v winner of QF2, 9.15pm

Semi-final 2: Winner of QF 3 v winner of QF4, 9.45pm

Final: Winner of SF1 v winner of SF 2, 10.15pm

How the table looks heading into Night Two

1 Michael Smith – 5pts

2 Gerwyn Price – 3pts

3 Luke Littler – 2pts

4 Rob Cross – 2pts

5 Michael van Gerwen – 0pts

6 Nathan Aspinall – 0pts

7 Peter Wright – 0pts

8 Luke Humphries – 0pts