Teenage sensation Luke Littler continued his title defence in emphatic fashion at the PDC World Darts Championship, while former champion Gerwyn Price crashed out in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far at Alexandra Palace.
Defending champion Littler progressed comfortably to the third round with a straight-sets victory, but Welsh star Price saw his hopes of a second world title ended abruptly after a stunning 3-0 defeat to Dutch outsider Wesley Plaisier.
Gerwyn Price Knocked Out in Straight Sets
Price, the 2021 world champion, had confidently predicted he would lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for a second time. Instead, the ninth seed was left stunned as world number 92 Plaisier produced the performance of his career.
Despite Price posting a higher three-dart average of 95.83, Plaisier’s finishing proved decisive. The Dutchman converted an impressive 56% of his doubles, keeping his composure at key moments to seal a straight-sets victory.
“I can’t believe it. I’m so over the moon,” said an emotional Plaisier.
“It’s my biggest victory ever. I don’t know how I did it.”
The result makes Price the 12th seeded player to be eliminated from this year’s championship, underlining the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
Plaisier will now face Krzysztof Ratajski in the third round as he looks to continue his fairytale run.
Luke Littler Cruises into the Last 32
While Price exited early, Luke Littler once again showed why he is the most talked-about figure in darts. The 18-year-old world number one dispatched fellow Welshman David Davies 3-0 to book his place in the last 32.
Davies, who took time off from his full-time role as an NHS area manager to compete at Ally Pally, had chances early on. He missed six darts at double to take the opening set and even mistakenly attempted to leave the stage at 2-2, thinking the set was complete.
From there, Littler seized control and never looked back.
The victory extended Littler’s winning streak to 15 senior matches, stretching back to October, and kept alive his ambition of defending his title.
“Back-to-back is the only thing I want,” Littler said.
“Since the Grand Slam and the Grand Prix, all the talk has been about the Worlds.”
Littler Set for Clash with Mensur Suljovic
Littler will now face Mensur Suljovic, who defeated Joe Cullen 3-1 earlier in the day amid controversy surrounding his slow pace of play.
Suljovic had even predicted the meeting earlier in the tournament, messaging Littler after the draw was made.
“Mensur messaged me and said ‘see you in round three’,” Littler revealed.
“He played well, so let’s have a good game.”
The Austrian veteran denied claims of gamesmanship after Cullen accused him of deliberately slowing play.
“I never do this as a provocation,” Suljovic insisted.
“I do it only for my game.”
The PDC does not impose a strict time limit, though deliberate slow play can be deemed unsportsmanlike conduct.
Other Notable Results at Alexandra Palace
Elsewhere in a dramatic day at the World Championship:
- Damon Heta, the 16th seed, recovered from the brink to beat Swiss debutant Stefan Bellmont 3-2 and will face Rob Cross next.
- Martin Schindler swept past Keane Barry 3-0 to set up a clash with Ryan Searle.
- Former world champion Rob Cross edged past Ian White in a tense encounter.
- Luke Woodhouse cruised to a straight-sets win over Max Hopp.
With seeds continuing to fall, the draw is opening up dramatically as the tournament heads into the post-Christmas stages.
Littler’s Rise Continues to Fuel Darts Boom
Littler only made his World Championship debut two years ago but has already transformed the sport’s landscape. After becoming the youngest world champion in history at 17, he has added five major titles in 2025 and overtaken Luke Humphries as world number one.
His growing rivalry with the sport’s established stars, combined with his fearless performances, continues to drive record interest and viewership in darts.
As Littler resumes his campaign after Christmas, the big question remains: can anyone stop him from going back-to-back?
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