- Luke Littler was defeated convincingly by Gerwyn Price on Friday night
- Price was at his best when he advanced to the semi-finals of the Bahrain Masters.
Luke Littler came back down to earth with a bang as he was beaten for the first time since Gerwyn Price made him world champion on Friday at the Bahrain Masters.
Littler, 17, played her first match since her triumph at Alexandra Palace on Thursday when she beat Lourence Ilagan of the Philippines.
But he was no match for Price in the quarter-finals, as the Welsh star sealed a 6-2 victory with a spectacular performance.
Price, a world champion in his own right, hit seven 180s and finished with an average of over 115, a new tournament record.
Littler hit five 180s and averaged a touch over 105, but couldn’t keep up with Price.
Price made his intentions clear from the start when he performed straight 180s to take the first leg in convincing fashion.
Gerwyn Price defeats Luke Littler with impressive performance at the Bahrain Masters
Littler averaged over 105 but still couldn’t keep up with Price
Price was all smiles after a dominant display, while Littler quickly left the stage after his first loss since becoming world champion.
He then took advantage of Littler missing his favorite double 10 to open up a lead and nearly hit a nine dart.
Price hit eight perfect darts, but his double 12 attempt came off the wrong side of the rope.
Littler stepped up to throw his own 12-darter, earning a nod of approval from Price, but that was as good as it got for the teenage sensation.
After Littler failed in the eighth leg, Price returned to the oche to score double 20 and achieve a spectacular victory as he advanced to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Littler will now return to the UK ahead of his 18th birthday next week.
The start of their Premier League title defense is also just around the corner, with the first night of the 17-week event taking place on February 6 in Belfast.