Young darts player Luke Littler received accolades for his performance against Darius Labanauskas in the initial round of the 2025-26 PDC World Championship. Littler, aged 18, emerged victorious with a 3-0 win on the lively opening night at Alexandra Palace.
Despite his success, the defending champion faced a tough challenge from Labanauskas, the 95th-ranked player globally, who impressively scored a 130 checkout on the bull to hold his throw in the first leg of the match.
Labanauskas pushed Littler to deciding legs in the first two sets. However, Littler managed to defeat Labanauskas, a former World Championship quarter-finalist, setting up a second-round showdown with either David Davies from Wales or Mario Vandenbogaerde from Belgium.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler expressed, “It definitely wasn’t easy, and I’m pleased with the victory. The nerves settled after winning a leg and a set. The first set was crucial against the darts.”
Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster commended Littler for his honesty, drawing comparisons to his own challenging first-round experience in the past. Webster noted Labanauskas’ contribution to the match but emphasized Littler’s ability to overcome the test with skill.
Now, Littler can enjoy a brief break before the next round. The talented youngster, who previously lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy, aims to defend his title in the upcoming final next month.
The competition will continue for another week, culminating in the final on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Fans can catch all the action exclusively live on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle starting December 11.
Share your prediction on whether Luke Littler will retain his crown in the comments section.