Luke Littler showcased remarkable composure in his victory over Darius Labanauskas during the initial round of the 2025-26 PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace. Despite his young age of 18, Littler secured a convincing 3-0 win amidst a lively atmosphere.
The reigning champion faced a tough challenge as Labanauskas, ranked 95th globally, impressively clinched the first leg with a 130 checkout on the bullseye. The Lithuanian pushed Littler to deciding legs in the first two sets before the latter ultimately triumphed over the former World Championship quarter-finalist.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler expressed satisfaction with the win, acknowledging the initial nerves that settled after winning crucial legs and sets. Sky Sports quoted him saying that the first-round match, regardless of the opponent, is always the toughest, emphasizing the importance of playing well to secure victory.
Commentator Mark Webster praised Littler’s honesty and resilience, highlighting the significance of key moments in the match. Despite Labanauskas providing a stern test, Littler showcased his skill and determination, earning praise for his performance even when not at his best.
With a brief break ahead, Littler, who secured the Sid Waddell Trophy earlier this year, looks forward to defending his title in the upcoming final. Fans are invited to share their predictions on Littler’s chances of retaining his crown in the comments section.
In other matches on the opening night, 2023 champion Michael Smith defeated Lisa Ashton with a 3-0 victory. Smith confessed to feeling nerves initially, but regained composure after securing the first set, ultimately securing the win despite a close final set.
The first round of the championship will continue for another week, culminating in the final scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026. Darts enthusiasts can catch every match exclusively live with Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, ensuring they don’t miss any thrilling moments of the tournament.
