Luke Littler has skilled virtually all the things there may be in darts over the previous yr – each on and off the stage – though his quest for a maiden World Championship crown started with new emotional challenges on the Alexandra Palace.
The teenage sensation was the headline identify in Saturday night’s line-up, 12 months on from his outstanding run to the ultimate on debut, with Littler – the pre-tournament favorite – opening his marketing campaign with success over Suffolk’s Ryan Meikle.
A 3-1 outcome fails to inform the total story of Littler’s eventful opener, the place he briefly appeared in peril of a shock early exit earlier than dominating the closing levels to arrange a third-round assembly with both European Championship winner Ritchie Edhouse or Ian White.
Littler got here millimetres from firing the second nine-dart end of the event throughout a ridiculous fourth and remaining set, gained in simply 32 darts and with a shocking record-breaking 140.91 common, whereas the 17-year-old was diminished to tears and reducing quick his on-stage interview after his victory.
“That was probably the toughest game I’ve ever played, but you’ve got to get over the line,” Littler stated in his press convention. “I do not know the place I pulled that final set from, however I simply needed to struggle till the top.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Luke Littler hit eight good darts earlier than lacking double 12 for the nine-darter by a matter of millimetres!
“Once I acquired on that stage I felt actually nervous, however I managed to search out my recreation from someplace. I do know I’m the favorite, however you need to give attention to profitable your first recreation, and that is what I did tonight.
“Like I said, it’s the worst game I’ve played. I’ve never felt anything like that tonight.”
Littler went to see his household instantly after leaving the stage
Littler confronted a protracted wait to return to the Alexandra Palace stage, his opening fixture approaching day seven and within the twelfth session of this yr’s event, giving the fourth seed extra time to replicate on the expectation for him to win the Sid Waddell Trophy.
“It’s probably the first and the biggest time it [pressure] has hit me,” Littler advised Sky Sports activities. “The Premier League, first evening towards Luke Humphries, I used to be nervous then, however all year long – all of the European excursions, all of the majors I’ve performed – I have been positive.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Luke Littler displays on his early struggles and record-breaking end in his World Darts Championship opener
“Coming here, leading up to it, fine. As soon as George Noble [referee] said ‘game on’, I was just like – couldn’t throw them.”
He added: “[Pressure] been a lot to deal with, but like I said, leading up was fine. As soon as George says ‘game on’, I just couldn’t do it. First set, I shouldn’t have won it, but I did. Then after that second break you’ve just got to drag yourself over the line. “
Littler has already gained the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts in 2024 and is predicted to battle it out with defending champion Luke Humphries for the World Championship, with each in the identical half of the draw, though is refusing to get carried away concerning the prospect.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
What a yr it has been for Luke Littler, from his breakthrough on the World Championships as a 17 yr outdated to profitable the Premier League title. We check out his superb 2024
“I’ll never say I’m going to win the World Championship,” Littler defined. “I know nearly every player has got it in them to do it.
“I will by no means come right here, after a recreation particularly like that, and say I am simply going to beat everybody. You’ve got simply acquired to give attention to the subsequent recreation.
Half: ‘New experiences’ for ‘darts god’ Littler
Littler has quickly change into a family identify in 2024, ending second within the BBC Sports activities Persona of the Yr and in addition probably the most searched sportsman on Google within the UK, not forgetting the ten PDC titles in his first full yr as knowledgeable.
“I don’t think anyone can understand how much pressure he has on him,” former world champion John Half advised Sky Sports activities. “There could be a number of folks that performed the sport that may perceive it, however actually nobody’s ever needed to cope with it at his age.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Luke Littler’s 100 checkout noticed him take the opening set towards Ryan Meikle on the World Darts Championship
“I think the whole reality of what he’s done for the game that started at last year’s World Championship finally kind of came crashing down on him after winning. It’s great that it wasn’t after a loss, because it just wouldn’t even seem fair after all he’s done for the game.
“He’s the darts god in lots of people’s eyes that they have been ready for. That is a lot to reside as much as for him. I simply assume this was the primary expertise of what his actual skilled profession is at World Championships.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until January 3 on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and extra prime sport with NOW.
