Reigning PDC World Darts Champion Luke Littler launched his title defence in strong fashion, defeating Lithuania’s Darius Labanauskas 3–0 on the opening night at Alexandra Palace. The 18-year-old world number one delivered a composed performance, overcoming a determined opponent who pushed each of the first two sets to deciding legs.
Littler Shows Composure in a Testing First Round
Labanauskas, a former world quarter-finalist ranked 95th, made an immediate statement by taking the opening leg with an impressive 130 checkout. Despite Littler never appearing in real danger, the experienced Lithuanian challenged him throughout the early stages.
Littler gradually gained control, posting a strong three-dart average of 101.54, landing seven 180s, and finishing nine of his 14 attempts at doubles. Successive checkouts of 124 and 120 in the third set put him firmly in command, and he sealed victory with double six to reach round two.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Littler admitted to some early nerves:
“There were a few nerves, but winning that first set settles you. Everyone wants to get through the first round—it’s always the toughest. I’m really happy with the win.”
The teenager will face either Mario Vandenbogaerde of Belgium or David Davies of Wales in the next round.
A Year of Milestones for Littler
Littler’s rise has been one of the biggest stories in modern darts. In January, shortly before turning 18, he became the youngest world champion in history, defeating Michael van Gerwen in a stunning final.
Since then, he has completed the sport’s Triple Crown, adding the World Matchplay title in July to his 2024 Premier League triumph, and climbing to number one in the PDC world rankings.
Other Highlights From Opening Night
Alongside Littler’s victory, fans at Alexandra Palace saw former world champion Michael Smith progress with a 3–0 win over Women’s World Matchplay champion Lisa Ashton.
Ashton, backed strongly by the crowd, made a bright start by taking two of the first three legs. But Smith responded with seven consecutive legs, handling the occasion well despite early pressure.
“When I took that first set, it was a relief,” Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The crowd was loud from the moment I walked out, but I settled after that.”
Elsewhere, German debutant Arno Merk secured a 3–1 win over Kim Huybrechts, while Latvia’s Madars Razma defeated Jamai van den Herik by the same scoreline.
A Larger Field and a Bigger Prize
This year’s World Championship features 128 competitors, a significant increase from last season’s 96. The expanded event also brings a record £1 million first prize, the largest in darts history.
Round one concludes on 19 December, with the final scheduled for 3 January 2026.
Thursday Results
- Kim Huybrechts 1–3 Arno Merk
- Michael Smith 3–0 Lisa Ashton
- Luke Littler 3–0 Darius Labanauskas
- Madars Razma 3–1 Jamai van den Herik
Friday Schedule
From 12:30 GMT:
- Niels Zonneveld v Haupai Puha
- Ian White v Mervyn King
- Ryan Searle v Chris Landman
- Rob Cross v Cor Dekker
From 19:00 GMT:
- Ross Smith v Andreas Harrysson
- Ricky Evans v Man Lok Leung
- Gian van Veen v Cristo Reyes
- Damon Heta v Steve Lennon
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