Luke Littler begins title defence with straight-set victory
Luke Littler kicked off his PDC World Championship title defence with a commanding straight-set win against Lithuania’s Darius Labanauskas at Alexandra Palace on Thursday night, reports BritPanorama.
The 18-year-old, who sits at the top of the world rankings, was the star attraction on opening night and delivered exactly what the crowd came to see. However, despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise, Littler admitted the match was tougher than it appeared.
“It definitely wasn’t easy,” Littler told Sky Sports. “I’m happy with the win.” The teenager acknowledged feeling some early jitters before settling into his rhythm as Labanauskas, ranked 95th in the world and a former quarter-finalist at Ally Pally, presented a formidable challenge.
Labanauskas opened strongly with a brilliant 130 checkout on the bull and pushed both of the first two sets to deciding legs. Littler found his groove thereafter, executing back-to-back finishes of 124 and 120 before sealing victory on double six at the first opportunity. “That first set was crucial against the darts,” he noted, recognizing the significance of gaining an early advantage.
“Everyone in the tournament wants to get through the first round. It’s definitely the hardest game – it doesn’t matter who you play.” Littler’s victory sets up a second-round clash with either Belgium’s Mario Vandenbogaerde or Wales’ David Davies. The youngster made history back in January when he became the youngest-ever world darts champion, defeating Michael van Gerwen just before turning 18.
Since lifting that trophy, he’s gone from strength to strength, completing darts’ prestigious Triple Crown in July by claiming the World Matchplay title, adding to his 2024 Premier League triumph earlier in the year. Those achievements have propelled him to the summit of the PDC world rankings, cementing his status as the sport’s brightest talent.
Elsewhere on the opening night, 2023 world champion Michael Smith cruised past Women’s World Matchplay winner Lisa Ashton 3-0. Ashton had the Alexandra Palace crowd firmly behind her and took two of the opening three legs, but the 35-year-old Smith regained control, reeling off seven consecutive legs to book his place in the last 64.
This year’s tournament features an expanded field of 128 players, up from 96 last year, with the winner taking home £1m. In a sport where moments of brilliance and nerves collide, Littler’s performance serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars must navigate their own pressures under the spotlight.
