Luke Littler has experienced just about everything darts has to offer, both on and off the stage, over the past year, although his quest for a first world crown began with new emotional challenges at Alexandra Palace.
The teenage sensation was the main name in Saturday night’s line-up, 12 months after his remarkable debut run to the final, when Littler, the pre-tournament favourite, opened his campaign with a win over Suffolk’s Ryan Meikle.
A 3-1 result doesn’t tell the full story of Littler’s eventful opening, where he briefly looked in danger of a shock early exit before dominating the closing stages to set up a third-round meeting with European Championship winners Richie Edhaus or Ian White.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Littler’s 100 cash saw him start against Ryan Meikle in the World Darts Championship.
Littler came within millimeters of a second nine-dart finish of the tournament in a ridiculous fourth and final set, winning just 32 darts and a staggering record 140.91 average, while the 17-year-old was in tears and cuts. cut short his stage interview after the win.
“It was probably the hardest match I’ve ever played, but you have to push through,” Littler said in his press conference. “I don’t know where I pulled that last set from, but I just had to fight to the end :
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Littler hit eight perfect darts before missing a double 12 by a few millimeters for nine darts.
“When I got on that stage, I was really nervous, but I managed to find my game somewhere. I know I’m the favorite, but you have to focus on winning your first game, and that’s what I did tonight. :
“Like I said, it’s the worst game I’ve ever played. I’ve never felt anything like it tonight.”
Littler went with his family shortly after leaving the stage
Littler waited a long time to return to the stage at Alexandra Palace, his opening match coming on day seven and the 12th session of this year’s tournament, giving the fourth player more time to reflect on his hopes of winning the Sid Waddell Trophy.
“That’s probably the first and biggest time the pressure gets to me,” Littler said said Sky Sports. “The Premier League, the first night against Luke Humphreys, I was nervous then, but throughout the year, all the European tours, all the major games I’ve played, I’ve been fine.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Littler reflects on his early fights and his record-breaking World Darts opener
“Coming in here, taking it, it’s good. As soon as (umpire) George Noble said ‘game on’, I was like, I couldn’t bowl them.”
He added: “(The pressure) has to be dealt with, but like I said, the lead was good. As soon as George says ‘game on,’ I just couldn’t do it. The first set, I shouldn’t have, but I won.” after that second break you have to pull over the line.
Littler has already won the Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts in 2024 and is expected to battle it out with reigning champion Luke Humphreys, both in the same half of the draw, although he refuses to get carried away.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
What a year it’s been for Luke Littler, from his World Cup breakthrough at the age of 17 to winning the Premier League title, we look back at his amazing 2024
“I will never say that I will win the world championship,” explained Littler. “I know almost every player has to do that.
“I’m never going to come here, especially after a game like this, and say I’m just going to beat everybody. You just have to focus on the next game.
Episode: “New Experiences” for “God of Darts” Littler
Littler quickly rose to fame in 2024, finishing second in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and also the most Googled athlete in the UK, not forgetting 10 PDC titles in his first full year as a professional.
“I don’t think anyone can understand how much pressure he has on himself,” former world champion John Part said Sky Sports. “There’s going to be a few people who’ve played that game who can understand that, but of course nobody’s ever had to deal with that at their age.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Littler’s 100 cash saw him start against Ryan Meikle in the World Darts Championship.
“I think the whole reality of what he did last year at the World Cup kind of dawned on him. It’s great that it wasn’t after the loss because it just didn’t seem fair after all he has done for the game.
“He’s the god of darts that a lot of people have been waiting for. That’s a lot to live up to. I just think this was his first taste of what a real professional career is like.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship Watch every match exclusively live until January 3rd on Sky Sports’ special darts channel. Stream darts and better sports with NOW!.
