Luke Littler’s performance in the first 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 an energetic atmosphere.
Despite his win, Littler faced a tough challenge from Labanauskas, the 95th-ranked player globally, who impressively scored a 130 checkout on the bull to hold his throw in the first leg. The match saw both players pushing to deciding legs in the first two sets before Littler eventually defeated Labanauskas, setting up a second-round match against either David Davies from Wales or Mario Vandenbogaerde from Belgium.
Reflecting on his victory, Littler expressed satisfaction, acknowledging the initial nerves but crediting the crucial first set win against the throw for settling him down. He emphasized the difficulty of the first round in the tournament, highlighting the importance of consistent performance for success.
Mark Webster, a Sky pundit, commended Littler for his honesty, drawing parallels to Littler’s own challenging first-round experience in the previous year. Despite Labanauskas providing a strong test, Webster noted Littler’s composure and ability to overcome the obstacles.
Having secured a break before the next match, Littler, who clinched the Sid Waddell Trophy earlier in the year, now aims to defend his title in the upcoming final. Fans are invited to share their predictions on Littler’s potential success in the comments section.
In other matches on the opening night, former champion Michael Smith defeated Women’s World Matchplay winner Lisa Ashton 3-0. Smith admitted to feeling nervous in the first set but found his rhythm after claiming it, ultimately securing the win despite some tense moments in the last set.
The first round of the championship will continue for another week before concluding on the following Friday, leading up to the final scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026. The PDC World Darts Championship kicks off on December 11, with exclusive live coverage available through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for fans to enjoy.