Luke Littler and Gary Anderson at the World Darts Championship. (Image: Getty.)
took the stage last night as he made his 2025 bow and duly delivered, putting on quite the show to down Ryan Meikle 3-1.
The 17-year-old, who reached the final of last year’s competition, started slowly against his fellow Englishman but soon rose to the occasion and finished in style.
He came close on two occasions in his bid to make a nine-darter, which would have been the second of the competition, firing in a staggering 140.91 average in the final set.
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He needed just 32 darts to win all three legs, the quickest any player has ever won a set at Alexandra Palace, sparking jubilant scenes in London.
Having set up a third-round clash against either Ritchie Edhouse or Ian White, after the match.
It was a reminder that Littler is still just 17 on one of the biggest stages in the world, despite his incredible accolades, succeeding at this level continues to mean so much to the teenager.
For all the latest news, scores and updates from the World Championship follow below…
KEY EVENTS
- 07:38
Today’s schedule
There is a host of entertaining matches to get stuck into today, highlighted by third-favourite for the tournament Gary Anderson.
Afternoon Session (12:30)
Second round
Ryan Searle v Matt Campbell
Dirk van Duijvenbode v Madars Razma
Joe Cullen v Wessel Nijman
Ritchie Edhouse v Ian White
Evening Session (19:00)
Second round
Martin Schindler v Callan Rydz
Ross Smith v Paolo Nebrida
Gary Anderson v Jeffrey de Graaf
Dimitri van den Bergh v Dylan Slevin
Gary Anderson fires warning
Gary Anderson has warned his darts rivals that despite being 52, he has every chance of winning this year’s competition.
The Scot is the last person to retain the title, doing so in 2016, but believes the .
“I defended it and then lost in another final to Michael,” Anderson explained. “People forget that I made a third final in succession.
“A hat-trick would have been nice, but it wasn’t meant to be. To win it once is a job done, so any more is a real bonus, but I like that stat about winning the most games at Ally Pally. It floats my boat.
“They say he’s too old and he’s finished, but I think that’s what keeps me going. I’m quite happy to sit back until somebody pipes up.”
Gary Anderson gets his campaign underway tonight. (Image: Getty)
Luke Littler reacts to tears
Luke Littler shared why he was so emotional after reaching the third round of the World Darts Championship.
The teenager had to cut his interview with Sky Sports short on stage as he was overwhelmed, but later explained to the broadcaster why he was unable to speak.
“Yes, obviously the first time and biggest time it’s hit me,” said Littler. “Throughout the year, Euro Tour or all the majors I’ve been fine.
“Coming here, leading up to it, as soon as George Noble said ‘Game on’ I couldn’t throw. It’s been a lot to deal with. I dragged myself over the line.”
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s live coverage of the World Darts Championship, where we will be bringing you all the latest news, scores and updates from Alexandra Palace.