LUKE 'The Nuke' Littler is through to the quarter-finals of the Bahrain Darts Masters after overcoming an early scare.

The 16-year-old fought back from two legs down to first take control and then see off his Hong Kong opponent and World Championship qualifier, Man Lok Leung, in The Dome at the Barhain International Circuit.

It means the former Runcorn resident will return to the oche tomorrow in the quarter-finals, where he will face Nathan Aspinall.

Get in there @LukeTheNuke180 Job done, this is how he did it plus details of who he plays next in the #BahrainMasters @OfficialPDC https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/24060197.luke-littler-bahrain-darts-masters-quarter-finals/ https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/24060197.luke-littler-bahrain-darts-masters-quarter-finals/

Things did not go all Littler's way on his World Series of Darts debut, his first competition since wowing the globe on his journey to the PDC World Darts Championship Final at Alexandra Palace earlier this month.

But he warmed up nicely, fighting back from 2-0 down to take five successive legs and although he stumbled in the eighth leg he responded in style to seal his passage to the last eight.

Littler, the PDC World Youth Champion and JDC World Junior champion, ended his session with three 100+ checkouts - the best being 151 - and four 180s as he averaged 97.92.

The Warrington youngster looked certain to take the opening leg after his first 180 left him needing 84, but he amazingly missed seven darts at a double before Leung took out 107 to snatch the leg.

Then Leung held his throw with another strong checkout of 83, finishing on bull.

But this only seemed to spark 'The Nuke' into life and after winning the third leg with a 77 checkout he stared at his watch longingly to signal to the audience 'About time!'

Three perfect arrows at the start of the fourth leg paved the way for him to square the scorers and then when he checked out on 151 in the fifth it seemed as if his opponent's spirit was broken.

Littler was on fire now, with a 136 checkout putting him 4-2 in front and he was even able to have eight misses at double in the seventh leg before moving one leg from victory.

His throw was broken by Leung but the comeback flattered to deceive as Littler wrapped up the match with a 120 checkout.

So next up for Littler will be Aspinall, who had earlier edged past Lourence Ilagan of the Philippines 6-5, Ilagan missing two match darts at 5-4.