Luke Littler started his defence of the World Darts Championship with a 3-0 victory over Darius Labanauskas in Alexandra Palace. Littler had to demonstrate his skills against Labanauskas, a 2020 quarter-finalist. He was looking to become the fourth player at Alexandra Palace to successfully defend his championship.
The world’s No. 1 made a brutal start, with his 101.54 average and 64 percent on doubles. He also brushed aside a fighting Labanauskas by completing two tons or more.
Littler will then face either the Belgian Mario Vandenbogaerde, or Welsh qualifier David Davies, in the second round.
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Luke Littler’s post-match interviews began with him trying to avoid the Alexandra Palace wasp after his win against Darius Labanauskas!
Littler, who had just fought Labanauskas and then faced the Ally Pally Wasp, told Sky Sports that it was “definitely not easy.” It didn’t seem that way, but I am happy.
“There is a little bit of nervousness, but once the nerves are gone, it’s important to win the first set. It calms everyone down. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose the sets.
“Everyone wants to win the first round.” The hardest game is definitely this one. You will not win if you do not play well.
“The first match is over and now I have 10 days off.”
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Darius Labanauskas scores a 130-point bullseye against Luke Littler during the first leg of their match
Labanauskas stayed in the game despite losing his first set. The 18-year old was taken to a final but Littler won.
2025-12-11 10:21:00
