Luke Littler overcomes sticky start to beat Ian White and reach PDC World Championships last 16
Luke Littler Advances to Last 16 at World Darts Championship Despite Struggles
Luke Littler overcame an inconsistent performance to secure his spot in the last 16 of the World Darts Championship with a 4-1 victory over Ian White at Alexandra Palace.
The 17-year-old sensation endured some erratic finishing but managed to stay composed when it mattered. White had set darts against Littler in both the first and fourth sets, but the young star found his range just in time to edge through comfortably in the end.
Littler, who averaged just under 98, admitted his finishing needed work but was relieved to get the win.
“It was tough, Ian threw everything at me and I had to stay switched on. It was just a case of settling into it. I know what’s gone wrong tonight—the doubles—but most importantly, I’ve won.”
After a slow start, Littler clinched a third set in style with a bullseye checkout, but his struggles on doubles allowed White to keep the match competitive. However, Littler held his nerve to snatch the fourth set before cruising to victory.
He will now face Ryan Joyce in the last 16, after Joyce defeated Ryan Searle 4-3 in a tense battle.
Van Gerwen and Dobey Also Progress
Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen battled through a tricky encounter with Brendan Dolan, emerging with a 4-2 win to keep his title hopes alive.
Van Gerwen stormed through eight straight legs to take a commanding lead, but lost focus in a scrappy fifth set before eventually closing out the match.
“It was a really difficult game. Brendan doesn’t give up, and I tried to punish him at the right moments but wasn’t capable of doing that,” Van Gerwen admitted. “There’s still a lot of work to do, but I know I’m capable of doing it.”
Meanwhile, Chris Dobey came from behind twice to defeat Josh Rock 4-2, securing a place in his third consecutive World Championship quarter-final.
Aspinall Sends a Warning with Dominant Win
Nathan Aspinall made a big statement in the afternoon session, cruising past Andrew Gilding 4-0 to book his place in the last 16.
While Gilding was far from his best, Aspinall was pleased with how his finishing—normally a weakness—held up under pressure.
“Normally I’m really bad at finishing, that’s why I lose, but in the last two games I’ve scored very well. I don’t care about averages—I’m in the last 16.”
Aspinall will next face Ricardo Pietreczko, who secured an impressive 4-1 win over Scott Williams, wrapping up his victory with a 121 checkout.
With the tournament heating up, the next round promises even more thrilling matchups as the battle for the World Championship title intensifies.
