Luke Littler expressed genuine shock at his remarkable finishing prowess after dismantling Mensur Suljovic in a comprehensive whitewash at Alexandra Palace.
The teenage sensation converted an extraordinary 71 per cent of his checkout opportunities during the third-round encounter, a statistic that left even him taken aback.
"I'm really happy with it. The finishing was good - 71 per cent, I don't think I've seen that in my PDC career," Littler told Sky Sports following his emphatic triumph.
The world No 1 and reigning champion swept aside his Austrian opponent without dropping a set, sending a clear warning to the rest of the field that he is performing at his absolute peak.
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Littler's performance represented his finest display at the World Championship, posting an average exceeding 107 – the highest he has ever recorded at the tournament.
The 18-year-old was utterly dominant from the outset, claiming the opening six legs to establish a commanding 2-0 lead before his opponent could register on the scoreboard.
Suljovic, who had faced criticism from Joe Cullen regarding his deliberate playing style after defeating the Welshman in the previous round, managed to claim just three legs throughout the entire contest.
Luke Littler expressed genuine shock at his remarkable finishing prowess after dismantling Mensur Suljovic in a comprehensive whitewash at Alexandra Palace
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Despite the Austrian producing a creditable average of 96, he simply could not match the intensity and precision of the defending champion on the Alexandra Palace stage.
Littler revealed this was the most comfortable he has ever felt competing at the World Championship, surpassing even his remarkable run to the title last year and his debut appearance the season before.
"That's the best I've felt [at the World Championship], I think even last year's tournament and the one before that," he explained.
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Luke Littler has been in stunning form in 2025 | PA"That's the most I've been settled and it shows with the average, the finishing and the ton-plus checkouts."
The teenager credited his ability to adapt to Suljovic's notoriously measured approach at the oche, finding a rhythm that suited the slower tempo.
"I felt so settled tonight. Mensur at his pace, I kind of got myself into a rhythm that matches it - slower than usual but it worked out," Littler added.
The youngster now advances to the last 16, where former world champion Rob Cross or Damon Heta awaits in the fourth round.
The young prodigy has his sights set on making history by becoming just the second player to successfully defend the World Championship crown.
Mensur Suljovic had no answer to Luke Littler's brilliance at Ally Pally
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Only Gary Anderson has previously managed to win back-to-back titles at the sport's showpiece event, achieving the feat in 2015 and 2016.
Should Littler maintain the form he displayed against Suljovic, few would bet against him joining the Scotsman in that exclusive club.
Meanwhile, in other darts news, it was a disappointing night for Stephen Bunting.
The 40-year-old saw his hopes of glory at Ally Pally surprisingly ended by James Hurrell.