Luke Littler’s performance in the first round of the 2025-26 PDC World Championship against Darius Labanauskas has garnered praise. Littler, aged 18, secured a 3-0 victory on the lively opening night at Alexandra Palace. Despite facing challenges from Labanauskas, the reigning champion managed to overcome the pressure and secure the win. Labanauskas, who is ranked 95th globally, showcased impressive skills by winning the first leg with a 130 checkout on the bull.
The Lithuanian player pushed Littler to deciding legs in the first two sets. Littler eventually triumphed over Labanauskas, setting up a second-round match 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 but highlighting the importance of winning key sets during the match.
Sky pundit Mark Webster commended Littler’s honesty and resilience in facing a tough opponent like Labanauskas. Despite the challenging match, Littler showcased his skills and determination, emphasizing the significance of performing well in the first round. As Littler looks ahead to the tournament, he now has a brief break before aiming to defend his title at the upcoming final.
In another match on the opening night, Michael Smith, the 2023 champion, defeated Lisa Ashton, the Women’s World Matchplay winner, with a 3-0 victory. Smith shared his experience of facing initial nerves but regaining composure after winning the first set. The first round of the championship will continue for the next week, culminating in the final on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Fans eager to follow the tournament can catch every match live exclusively on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle. Stay updated with the latest news by selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.