Luke Littler Makes Emotional Start to World Championship

Luke Littler began his bid for the PDC World Championship with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Ryan Meikle, setting a tournament record average of 140.91. Littler, who reached the final in January before losing to Luke Humphries became emotional after the win. He nearly hit a nine-darter but missed double 12 in the fourth set. He clinched the match with a record-setting 100.85 average.

Despite a slow start, Littler fought back, hit four maximum 180s and took three straight legs to secure victory. Littler admitted to feeling nervous during the match and was overcome with emotion during his interview. He later confessed that he had played his toughest match. After his impressive performance, Littler will face either Ritchie Edhouse or Ian White after Christmas and is seeded to meet Luke Humphries in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, upsets occurred elsewhere.

Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld lost to Welshman Nick Kenny while England’s Ryan Joyce defeated 13th seed Danny Noppert. Australian Damon Heta also came close to a nine-darter but fell short in his 3-1 win over Connor Scutt. Luke Littler, who entered last year’s tournament ranked 164, now stands at fourth in the world and could rise to second with another final appearance.

Having won 10 titles in his debut professional year, Littler has made a significant impact on darts becoming one of the most searched-for athletes in the UK in 2024. His growing influence has expanded junior academies and boosted interest in the sport. Littler also won BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.