Luke Littler recorded a three-dart average of 101.54 and tallied seven 180s.
Luke Littler commenced his title defense at the PDC World Championship with a decisive straight-sets victory over Darius Labanauskas of Lithuania.
The 18-year-old world number one headlined the opening night at Alexandra Palace.
Despite the convincing scoreline, the 49-year-old Labanauskas provided resilient opposition in the first round.
Labanauskas, a former quarter-finalist at Alexandra Palace and ranked 95th in the world, initiated the match by holding throw with a 130 checkout on the bullseye, subsequently pushing both of the initial two sets to deciding legs.
Checkouts of 124 and 120 in successive legs during the third set propelled Littler to the verge of victory, culminating in a successful double six attempt that secured his progression to a second-round encounter with either Mario Vandenbogaerde of Belgium or David Davies of Wales.
“It certainly wasn’t straightforward, and I’m pleased with the win,” Littler, who achieved a three-dart average of 101.54 and successfully converted nine of his 14 attempts at doubles, stated to Sky Sports.
“There was some initial nervousness, but securing a leg and then a set helped to settle things down. That first set, against the throw, was crucial.”
“Every competitor in the tournament aims to progress beyond the first round. It’s undeniably the most challenging match, irrespective of the opponent. Without a strong performance, victory is unattainable, so I’m very pleased with the outcome.”
Littler became the youngest world darts champion in January, shortly before his 18th birthday, defeating Michael van Gerwen to claim the title.
Since then, he has completed darts’ Triple Crown by winning the World Matchplay in July, adding to his 2024 Premier League title, and has ascended to the summit of the PDC’s world rankings.
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In other action from the opening night, Michael Smith, the 2023 world champion, triumphed over Lisa Ashton, the Women’s World Matchplay winner, with a score of 3-0.
Ashton, enjoying strong crowd support, secured two of the initial three legs; however, Smith, the 35-year-old Englishman, responded with a sequence of seven consecutive legs, ensuring his place in the last 64.
“That first set was nerve-wracking,” Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The crowd was immediately on me as soon as I walked out.”
“I anticipated it, but I thought going 1-0 down would only exacerbate the situation.”
“I tried to force opportunities that weren’t there, but securing that first set was a relief. I began to settle in, almost losing it in the final set, but we’ll gladly take the win.”
Arno Merk, a German debutant, advanced to the second round with a 3-1 victory over Kim Huybrechts of Belgium.
A total of 128 players are participating in the World Championship, an increase from 96 last year, vying for an enhanced first prize of £1 million.
The first round is slated to conclude on Friday, December 19, with the final scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Thursday results
Kim Huybrechts 1-3 Arno Merk
Michael Smith 3-0 Lisa Ashton
Luke Littler 3-0 Darius Labanauskas
Madars Razma v Jamai van den Herik
Friday schedule
From 12:30 GMT:
Niels Zonneveld v Haupai Puha
Ian White v Mervyn King
Ryan Searle v Chris Landman
Rob Cross v Cor Dekker
From 19:00 GMT:
Ross Smith v Andreas Harrysson
Ricky Evans v Man Lok Leung
Gian van Veen v Cristo Reyes
Damon Heta v Steve Lennon
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