Littler comes through most searching test yet as Van Gerwen looms into ominous form

Teenage wonder sets up quarter-final showdown with Nathan Aspinall after Dutch master averages 102 in up-and-down battle with Jeffrey de Graaf

FIERCE BATTLE: Luke Littler (left) is congratulated on his victory by Ryan Joyce during day thirteen of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire

Luke Littler came through an exacting test of his credentials as favourite for the World Darts Championship with a tense 4-3 victory over Ryan Joyce to book a place in the quarter-final.

Expectation on last year's runner-up was ramped up following defending champion Luke Humphries' surprise exit and the 17-year-old had to withstand intense pressure at Alexandra Palace.