Luke Littler’s performance at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship has captivated fans and further solidified his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. The 17-year-old sensation, who had already made waves with his remarkable debut run to the final last year, returned to the Alexandra Palace stage in stunning fashion. His 3-1 victory over Ryan Meikle in the second round was a masterclass in precision and power, capped by a record-breaking display that almost saw him achieve darting perfection.
Littler came agonizingly close to hitting a nine-dart finish in the fourth set, narrowly missing a double 12. However, he still managed to produce a remarkable 140.91 average in the final set, setting a new record for the highest average in a single set at the World Championship. This performance highlighted Littler’s potential and his ability to perform under pressure, even in a match that started slowly. He finished the set in just 32 darts, a blistering pace that left Meikle with little chance of recovery.
The victory was particularly emotional for Littler, who fought back tears during his post-match interview. The pressure of the occasion seemed to get to him, as he struggled to articulate his feelings. “It was the toughest game I have played, but as a player you have got to get over the line,” Littler said, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of the match. “It was game on and bottom’s gone for me. The last set I don’t know where I pulled it from. I just had to fight until the end. It was good to be back, and get on the stage, nervous, I had to find it somewhere. I know I have got it.”
Littler’s tears were a sign of how much the game meant to him, and how far he has come since his breakthrough year. The teenager had a remarkable 2024, winning 10 PDC titles, including the prestigious Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts. His rise to prominence has made him the favorite to win this year’s World Championship, and he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the sport’s history.
His next challenge will come in the third round, where he will face either Ritchie Edhouse or Ian White. Littler’s emotional victory sets him up for what could be another deep run at Ally Pally, and many are eager to see how he handles the pressure as the tournament progresses.
Elsewhere in the tournament, there were a few shock results. Raymond van Barneveld, a five-time world champion, suffered a disappointing exit at the hands of world No 76 Nick Kenny. The Welshman won 3-1, securing one of the biggest wins of his career. Kenny, who was in tears after the victory, said, “It’s surreal, there’s a bit more to it, I have kept my tour card, I believe. It was an absolute privilege to play Raymond van Barneveld on such a stage, he wasn’t at his best but who cares really?” Kenny’s win was not without drama, as he needed nine match darts to seal the victory. The win was a major milestone for him, ensuring his place on the tour for another two years.
Danny Noppert, the 13th seed, also bowed out of the tournament in the second round, losing 3-1 to Ryan Joyce. Noppert’s defeat was another surprise result in a tournament that has already seen a number of upsets.
In the earlier matches of the day, last year’s quarter-finalist Chris Dobey made a solid start to his campaign with a 3-1 win over Alexander Merkx. Other winners included Karel Sedlacek, Alexis Toylo, and Brendan Dolan, who all secured routine victories in their respective matches.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Littler, who continues to break records and exceed expectations. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his remarkable skill and consistency, makes him a formidable contender for the title. With his next match looming, the question remains: can Littler continue his incredible run and claim a maiden World Championship crown?
