Luke Littler’s performance in the first round of the 2025-26 PDC World Championship against Darius Labanauskas has garnered praise. Despite a tough challenge, the 18-year-old emerged victorious with a 3-0 win in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Alexandra Palace.
Labanauskas, the 95th-ranked player globally, showcased skill by clinching the first leg with a 130 checkout on the bull. The match saw both players pushing each other to deciding legs in the first two sets. Littler eventually defeated Labanauskas, a former World Championship quarter-finalist, securing a spot in the second round against either David Davies from Wales or Mario Vandenbogaerde from Belgium.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler expressed satisfaction with the win, acknowledging the initial nerves that were settled after winning crucial legs and sets. The young darts player emphasized the challenging nature of the first round, noting the importance of playing well to secure a victory.
Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster commended Littler for his honesty and resilience in the match, highlighting the significance of key moments that led to his success. Despite the tough test from Labanauskas, Littler demonstrated composure and determination, showcasing his potential in the tournament.
Littler now has a 10-day break before aiming to defend his Sid Waddell Trophy in the upcoming final. As the championship progresses, fans speculate on 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 with a 3-0 victory. Smith admitted to feeling nervous in the initial set but managed to regain control, securing the win.
The first round of the tournament will continue for another week, culminating in the final on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Darts enthusiasts can catch all the action live on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle starting from December 11, 2025.