Luke Littler made headlines once again at the PDC World Darts Championship, captivating fans with his emotional performance as he battled through nerves and pressure. The 17-year-old sensation opened his tournament run by defeating Ryan Meikle 3-1, achieving not just victory but also setting the stage ablaze with the tournament’s highest average of 140.91.
Returning to Alexandra Palace, where he had dazzled the audience just a year prior with his remarkable debut, Littler’s success was met with raucous cheers from the crowd of over 3,000 spectators. The young player started the match slowly and initially struggled to find his rhythm. “Yes, probably the biggest time it's hit me. Cominginto it I was fine, but as soon as George Noble said 'game on', I couldn't throw them,” Littler later shared, acknowledging the bubbling nerves he experienced as the match commenced.
Despite facing early difficulties, including Meikle nearly snatching the first set away from him, Littler turned the tide during the latter halves of the encounter. After dropping the second set, he began to assert his dominance, successfully winning the third set with precision shots and followed by incredible legs of 11, 10, and 11 darts to clinch the match.
What made the night even more memorable was Littler nearly achieving perfection with a nine-dart finish, just missing the double 12. “It was probably the toughest game I've ever played. I had to fight until the end,” he reflected, fighting back tears as tumultuous emotions washed over him during his post-match interview.
Littler’s heartfelt moment captured the attention of viewers as he got emotional on stage, struggling to speak any longer. The crowd responded with chants of “There’s only one Luke Littler,” expressing their adoration for the budding star who has dramatically changed the public perception of darts.
The match also granted Littler entrance to the third round, where he is expected to continue his pursuit of the Sid Waddell Trophy, against either Ritchie Edhouse or Ian White. Should he again claim victory and reach the final, Littler would not only maintain his status as the youngest finalist but could also become the youngest-ever world champion.
Remarkably, Littler's rise through the professional ranks has been meteoric; from entering last year’s championship ranked 164th to now holding fourth place globally, he has bagged ten major titles during his first professional year. “It is the worst game I have played. I have never felt anything like this tonight,” he exclaimed, underscoring the lofty expectations he has now been propelled to. His popularity has triggered significant growth within the sport, evidenced by skyrocketing sales of dartboards and other equipment.
The night also brought disheartening news for other prominent players. Five-time champion Raymond van Barneveld suffered a shocking 3-1 defeat to Nick Kenny, another aspiring name on the darts circuit. This early exit continues the trend of high-profile seed casualties this year. Meanwhile, lit by the brilliance of Littler and the dramatic narratives of the championship, matchups across the board—like Damon Heta’s narrow victory over Connor Scutt—further painted the competition's unpredictability.
With anticipation building for his next match, Luke Littler stands on the precipice of history once more. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether the young star can navigate the pressures of the championship and potentially take home the title, showcasing the grit and determination embodied by his performance against Meikle.
His emotional return not only signifies his passion for the sport but also highlights the fresh ambition flourishing the world of darts. From his imminent matches to the champions to follow, Littler crafts another chapter of hopes and dreams as he aims to seize the Sid Waddell Trophy.
