Littler is already joint-third on the list of all-time major tournament winners after a spectacular first two years on tour.

The world number one cruised into the third round with a 3-0 win over David Davies.

Premier League semi-finalist Nathan Aspinall suggested the 18-year-old could retire in five years.

The 18-year-old claimed his first World Championship crown in January.

It was Littler’s first visit to the M&S Bank Arena since he went as a fan to watch in 2018 on the night Bristow died of a heart attack.