Luke Littler begins World Championship defence with 14th consecutive win against potter-turned-darts star Labanauskas

Luke Littler remains unbeaten in the professional ranks since late October, a run that has seen him capture both the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals. His latest victory marked a seventh consecutive win at the North London Palace and further cemented his status as the world No.1.

After sealing the opening set with a 76 checkout, Littler broke into a calm-down gesture reminiscent of Didier Drogba’s iconic celebration for Chelsea. It was his way of reminding himself — and his family, including girlfriend Faith — to stay relaxed amid the pressure of his much-anticipated return.

Littler has now won an astonishing 52 of his last 55 matches in televised ranking events. He produced back-to-back 124 and 120 finishes to claim the third set and averaged 101.54 on the night. The Warrington star, who turns 19 next month, will next face either Belgium’s Mario Vandenbogaerde or Welsh qualifier David Davies in round two on Sunday, December 21.

This year’s world champion will lift the Sid Waddell Trophy on January 3, 2026 — along with a record seven-figure prize. Notably, no reigning world champion has lost on the tournament’s opening night since Canada’s John Part suffered that fate 17 years ago.

Elsewhere on opening night, an injury-battling Michael Smith powered through pain-killing injections to defeat Lisa Ashton 3-0. Smith, 35, is managing severe arthritis in his ankles and wrists, requiring jabs before stepping on stage. Despite dropping just three legs, he admitted he struggled for rhythm.

Smith nearly opened the second set with a perfect leg after starting 180, 180, but admitted he was distracted by the thought of Paddy Power’s £60,000 nine-dart bonus.

“I didn’t want to lose that first set and come back out with the crowd getting louder and louder,” Smith said. “I was trying to force things. When I hit the two 180s I suddenly thought, ‘That’s 60 grand,’ and then I missed it. I had to re-focus — and I nearly messed up again. Not my best game, but I’ll take it.

“Now I’ve got ten days off and it’s solid practice. The butterflies were bad this morning.”