The third round of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship is in full swing at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, and all eyes are locked on reigning champion Luke Littler as he prepares for a high-stakes showdown against Austria’s Mensur Suljovic. Saturday night’s feature match promises fireworks, intrigue, and plenty of drama as the world No 1 faces a seasoned opponent known for his unorthodox approach and ability to rattle even the steeliest competitors.
Littler, who claimed the Sid Waddell Trophy last year in stunning fashion, enters this contest with a target on his back and a determination to make history. If he can defend his title, he’ll become the first player since Gary Anderson in 2016 to retain the World Darts Championship crown. But standing in his path is Suljovic, a player who thrives on unpredictability and has a reputation for disrupting his rivals’ rhythm with slow play and theatrical celebrations.
The match is set for the evening session, with a scheduled start time of 21:40. It’s the main event on a packed day of darts, which also features third-round clashes between Wesley Plaisier and Krzysztof Ratajski (12:40), Andrew Gilding and Luke Woodhouse (13:55), Jonny Clayton and Niels Zonneveld (15:10), Andreas Harrysson and Ricardo Pietreczko (19:10), and Stephen Bunting against James Hurrell (20:25).
For Littler, the anticipation is palpable, but so too is the caution. Speaking ahead of the match, the young champion admitted, “With the player you’re playing or with the crowd, just expect the worst. If it’s not as bad as what you think then I’ll be happy with it. I won’t prepare to throw slowly or approach the oche slowly – I’ll just practice how I do.” According to Sky Sports, Littler’s approach is to focus on his own game and not allow Suljovic’s tactics to throw him off his stride.
That’s easier said than done. Suljovic’s previous match saw him warned by referee Kirk Bevins for taking excessive time to celebrate and for his slow play, a tactic that has frustrated opponents and officials alike. The Austrian’s style is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and he’s not shy about using every trick in the book to gain an edge. Reflecting on his form, Suljovic remarked, “My feeling is good, I played good. Every tournament is different, the World Championship is very different. I am bigger than Luke Littler!” His confidence is evident, and he even messaged Littler before the tournament with a simple, “See you in round three.”
Despite being the clear favorite on paper, Littler knows better than to underestimate his opponent. “On paper everyone expects it to be the seed. You are seeded because you’re high up in the rankings. But we have got games to win. We have met, and I think he’s up for it and obviously I’ll be up for it,” he told reporters. This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two, adding another layer of intrigue to an already tantalizing matchup.
Suljovic’s last appearance in the third round at Alexandra Palace came three years ago, when he pushed Michael van Gerwen to the limit before falling 4-2 in a memorable contest. In that match, Suljovic stunned the Dutchman by checking out a 161 finish in a dramatic fifth set, capitalizing when Van Gerwen refused a dart at the bullseye. It’s moments like these that make Suljovic a dangerous opponent, especially when the stakes are high and the spotlight is brightest.
For Littler, the past 12 months have been nothing short of sensational. Since clinching the World Championship title, he’s added a string of major trophies to his collection, including the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and the Players Championship finals. It’s a run of form that has propelled him to the top of the world rankings and cemented his status as the sport’s brightest young star. Still, Littler remains grounded about his legacy and the constant chatter about chasing Phil Taylor’s record haul of 16 world titles. “The talk is always ‘will he beat Phil Taylor’s record?’ Personally, I don’t think anyone will,” he told Sky Sports. “I’ve actually not said to myself how many [world titles] do I want. I’m sure one day that will come and I will pick a number.”
Yet, the hunger for more success is clear. “This [winning a second title] is (the most important one). I have only not picked up four majors this year so it has been a very good year,” Littler explained. “I was gutted to lose the Premier League to Luke [Humphries], but there is always next year to tick off the ones I have not got.” That relentless drive is what separates champions from contenders, and Littler’s focus is firmly set on extending his reign at the top.
The broader tournament has already served up its share of upsets and talking points. Jonny Clayton, another seeded player, will be wary of joining the list of early casualties when he takes on Niels Zonneveld in the afternoon session. Meanwhile, Wesley Plaisier—fresh off his shock victory over Gerwyn Price—will look to continue his Cinderella run against Krzysztof Ratajski. Every match at Ally Pally seems to bring its own drama, and with the field narrowing, the pressure only intensifies.
Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Darts, with coverage running throughout the day and into the evening. For those unable to tune in, the Paddy Power website and app provide up-to-the-minute odds, results, and expert analysis. The championship will continue through to January 3, with the Sid Waddell Trophy awaiting the last man standing.
As the evening session approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a defining moment in this year’s championship. Will Littler’s composure and class see him through, or can Suljovic conjure another Ally Pally shocker? One thing’s certain: darts fans are in for a treat as the world’s best step up to the oche in pursuit of glory. The action is ongoing, and with so much at stake, every dart thrown could make all the difference.
