The defending champion and world No.1 enjoyed an eventful opening night at Alexandra Palace — and not just because of his winning start. Luke Littler also came face-to-face once again with a familiar nemesis: the notorious Ally Pally wasp.
After sealing his first-round victory, the 18-year-old now enjoys a ten-day break before returning to continue his chase for the historic £1million top prize. But as he carried out his post-match interview with Emma Paton, his girlfriend Faith Millar will no doubt have had a quiet laugh as Littler shuffled and sidestepped to avoid another buzzing encounter with the flying intruder.
Millar has become a constant figure in the champion’s corner, joining his parents in the crowd as they cheer him through what has already been an extraordinary young career.
With Christmas decorations up and the winter nights closing in, the return of the World Darts Championship marks the start of darts’ most iconic spectacle. And several big names are gearing up for the challenge of dethroning Littler at Ally Pally.
The expanded 128-player field means the world No.1 will have to be at his very best to retain his crown. But after recently completing the full sweep of TV major titles, he remains the overwhelming favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy again.
Speaking after dodging his uninvited airborne opponent, Littler admitted the win didn’t come as easily as the numbers suggested.
“It definitely wasn’t easy,” he said. “Look at the stats — it didn’t feel like that. But I’m happy. Happy with the win.
“There are nerves, but once you come up here, you win a leg, then two, then the set, it settles you down. That first set was crucial. Another 3–2 set after the break — but winning the sets is what matters.
“Everyone just wants to get the first round done. It’s definitely the hardest game. I’m very happy with that. Third time playing here, first game done, and now I get 10 days off.”
It’s not the first time Littler has had an unwanted run-in with the Ally Pally wasp. As a 16-year-old in the 2024 championship, moments after beating Brendan Dolan on New Year’s Day, he narrowly avoided what looked like a sting.
“I’m not sure what happened,” he laughed at the time. “I felt a little zap and saw it fluttering around near the end. I’m not sure if I was stung — but I had to focus and get over the line.”
Two years on, the wasp is still buzzing around — but so is the champ, who continues his title defence with confidence, composure, and perhaps just a little extra awareness of what’s flying nearby.
