Luke Littler admits that he was 'happy to get over the line' after enjoying a winning debut on the World Series of Darts circuit at the Bahrain Darts Masters on Thursday.
The World Championship finalist returned to action for the first time since capturing the attention of the sporting world with his Alexandra Palace exploits with a 6-3 win over Man Lok Leung in the first round in Bahrain.
However, Littler had to come from 2-0 down to progress to finals day at the Bahrain International Circuit - hitting checkouts of 151, 136 and 120 as he fought back against the Hong Kong star.
The 16-year-old admits he was itching to return to action, having enjoyed a family holiday following the World Championship.
"I couldn't wait - I didn't want to practice, I just wanted to play the game," said Littler. "I just want to get on the stage and perform and I'm happy to get over the line.
"I've always said that it takes a leg or two to get into the game and you could see it did, but I got the next five legs.
"I've not played a proper game since the World Championship final, but I fight to the end and once I got a leg or two I was in.
"A big finish always helps and I'm glad I got into the game and got over the line."
Littler was one of the star attractions in The Dome at the Bahrain International Circuit, where he was given a warm welcome by an enthusiastic crowd.
"It was crazy seeing so many people," he added. "It's always a good thing that the players have got a bit of a crowd to play in front of, but it's totally different to Ally Pally - you can hear everything that's going on!"
Littler will return to the stage on Friday night, with the destiny of the title to be determined with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
The teenager shares a manager with his quarter-final opponent, Nathan Aspinall, and is excited about taking on the World Matchplay champion in the last eight.
"We practised together before the World Championship, we both know each other's game," said Littler. "It's first to six, no breaks and I can't wait for tomorrow now."
The Bahrain Darts Masters will be broadcast live on PDCTV in all territories other than Germany, Austria & Switzerland (coverage via DAZN).
UK viewers can watch through ITV4 for Friday's final stages from 1630 GMT.
2024 Bahrain Darts Masters
Friday January 19 (1900 local time, 1600 GMT)
Quarter-Finals
Luke Humphries v Gerwyn Price
Michael Smith v Peter Wright
Nathan Aspinall v Luke Littler
Michael van Gerwen v Rob Cross
Best of 11 legs
Semi-Finals
Humphries/Price v Aspinall/Littler
Van Gerwen/Cross v Smith/Wright
Best of 13 legs
Final
Humphries/Price/Aspinall/Littler v Van Gerwen/Cross/Smith/Wright
Best of 15 legs