Young darts player Luke Littler has received praise for his performance against Darius Labanauskas in the first round of the 2025-26 PDC World Championship. Littler, aged 18, secured a 3-0 victory on the energetic opening night at Alexandra Palace.
Despite being the reigning champion, Littler faced a tough challenge from Labanauskas, who is ranked 95th globally, as he started strong with a 130 checkout on the bull in the first leg of the match. Labanauskas managed to push both of the first two sets to deciding legs before Littler ultimately triumphed over the former World Championship quarter-finalist.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler expressed his satisfaction with the win, acknowledging the initial nerves but emphasizing the importance of settling into the game after winning crucial sets. Sky Sports quoted Littler saying that the first round is always the toughest and requires top-notch performance to advance.
Commenting on Littler’s match, Sky pundit Mark Webster highlighted the challenge Labanauskas posed and commended Littler for overcoming the test. Despite acknowledging the difficulty, Littler’s determination shone through, showcasing his resilience in the face of a formidable opponent.
With this victory, Littler now enjoys a brief break before aiming to defend his title at the upcoming final next month. Fans are left wondering if Littler will retain his crown as they eagerly anticipate the championship’s progression. The first round will continue for another week, leading up to the final scheduled for Saturday, January 3.
In other matches on the opening night, former champion Michael Smith defeated Women’s World Matchplay winner Lisa Ashton 3-0, recounting the nerve-wracking experience of the initial set. The championship, set to begin on December 11, can be exclusively enjoyed live through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.
