Luke Littler received accolades for his performance against Darius Labanauskas in the initial round of the 2025-26 PDC World Championship. The 18-year-old emerged victorious with a 3-0 win in a vibrant atmosphere at Alexandra Palace.

Despite his triumph, the defending champion faced a tough challenge from Labanauskas, the 95th-ranked player globally, who impressively secured the first leg with a 130 checkout on the bull.

Labanauskas pushed both sets to deciding legs, but Littler eventually overcame the former World Championship quarter-finalist. This victory sets him up for a second-round encounter against either David Davies from Wales or Mario Vandenbogaerde from Belgium.

Reflecting on the match, Littler expressed his satisfaction with the win, admitting to initial nerves that settled after claiming crucial sets. He emphasized the importance of performing well in the first round and acknowledged the difficulty of the game regardless of the opponent.

Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster commended Littler for his performance, noting the challenging nature of the match against Labanauskas. Despite the test presented, Littler demonstrated resilience and skill, showcasing his potential in the championship.

With a break of 10 days ahead, Littler aims to defend his title by lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy once again in the upcoming final. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Littler will retain his crown, inviting predictions 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 described the nerve-wracking experience of the first set but expressed relief after securing the win.

The first round of the championship will continue for another week, concluding on Friday, with the final scheduled for Saturday, January 3. Darts enthusiasts can catch all the action live exclusively on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.