Luke Littler was at his very best in brushing aside qualifier Arno Merk in the first round of the European Darts Grand Prix, but some were far from impressed by the contest - or lack thereof.
The 17-year-old was looking to bounce back after a disappointing result in night 12 of the Premier League on Thursday.
Littler failed to pick up any points as he was beaten by Michael Smith in the opening round, which saw him drop down to second in the table.
But the teenage darts sensation was back in action 24 hours later on his return to the European Tour.
Luke Littler eased through to the second round of the European Darts Grand Prix
PA
He was drawn against German qualifier Merk, who largely completes on the PDC Challenge Tour.
Merk was no match for Littler though as the Premier League star romped to an easy 6-0 victory.
Littler averaged just over 101 throughout the match while Merk averaged around 67.
To put that into perspective, there's only been a handful of times this season in the Premier League where a player has averaged below 90 in a match.
And the lack of competition provided by Merk got under the skin of some who watched the match.
One message read: "Most straightforward game of darts you will see."
Another moaned: "67 average, f*** me. Get me out there."
A third posted: "No surprise, think i'd have beaten that german though."
Luke Littler faces Luke Humphries in the second round
PA
One other person mockingly asked: "A 67 average?"
Another joked: "Here's me thinking I upped my game."
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
WHITEWASH WIN FOR LITTLER! 💪
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 19, 2024
Luke Littler marks his return to European Tour action with a 101 average and a whitewash win over Arno Merk!
He will now play Luke Humphries in round two! 🔥
🔜 Martin Schindler v Gian van Veen
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 | #ET4 pic.twitter.com/4biHeCDcwf
Littler faces off against Luke Humphries in the second round later on Saturday night.
Fellow Premier League star Peter Wright won't be playing though as he suffered a shock loss to Mickey Mansell.
Martin Schindler, Gabriel Clemens, Chris Dobey, Stephen Bunting, Raymond van Barneveld and Ritchie Edhouse were the other first-round winners on Friday night.
