Reigning world champion Luke Littler has made a winning start to his Bahrain Darts Masters title defence, securing a 6-3 victory over Lourence Ilagan to book his spot in the quarter-finals.
The opening match of the tournament saw Littler face off against Ilagan, with the reigning champion emerging victorious and setting the tone for his title defence.
Littler, who has been in fine form of late, was dominant throughout the match, showcasing his skill and precision to outmaneuver his opponent and take the win.
Meanwhile, Rob Cross's campaign got off to a disastrous start as he crashed out of the competition, handing Littler a significant advantage in the pursuit of the title.
The Bahrain Darts Masters is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the darts calendar, attracting the biggest names in the sport and providing a platform for players to showcase their skills.
As the defending champion, Littler will be looking to build on his winning start and make a deep run into the competition, but he will face stiff competition from a talented field of players all vying for the top prize.
With his quarter-final spot already secured, Littler will be focusing on preparing for his next match, where he will face another tough opponent in his bid to retain the title.
The Bahrain Darts Masters promises to be an exciting tournament, with plenty of twists and turns to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the competition heats up, Littler will be looking to maintain his momentum and make a strong push for the title, but only time will tell if he can overcome the challenges ahead and emerge victorious.