Luke Littler’s performance in the opening round of the 2025-26 PDC World Championship against Darius Labanauskas has garnered praise. The 18-year-old emerged victorious with a 3-0 win at Alexandra Palace amidst a lively atmosphere.
Despite his triumph, it was a challenging match for the current champion. Labanauskas, ranked 95th globally, started strongly with a 130 checkout on the bull in the first leg. Both players pushed the first two sets to deciding legs before Littler eventually defeated Labanauskas, a former World Championship quarter-finalist.
Reflecting on the match, Littler shared, “It definitely wasn’t easy, and I’m pleased with the victory.” He emphasized the importance of settling nerves by winning legs and sets, especially highlighting the crucial first set against the darts.
Commenting on Littler’s performance, Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster noted the intensity of the match and praised Littler for overcoming the challenge posed by Labanauskas. Despite facing a tough test, Littler showcased his resilience and secured a spot in the second round.
Following his win, Littler will enjoy a 10-day break. The young talent, who previously lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy, aims to defend his title in the upcoming final next month.
In other matches on the opening night, 2023 champion Michael Smith defeated Women’s World Matchplay winner Lisa Ashton 3-0. Smith described the nerve-wracking start but expressed relief after securing the first set, leading to a more settled performance.
The first round of the championship will continue for another week, culminating on Friday. The final for the 2025-26 season is scheduled for January 3. Fans can catch all the action exclusively on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle starting from December 11. Share your predictions for Luke Littler’s title defense in the comments section.
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