Luke Littler’s performance against Darius Labanauskas in the opening round of the 2025-26 PDC World Championship has garnered praise. Despite facing tough competition, the 18-year-old Littler emerged victorious with a 3-0 win at a lively Alexandra Palace.

Labanauskas, who is ranked 95th globally, put up a strong fight by securing the first leg of the match with a remarkable 130 checkout on the bullseye. The Lithuanian pushed Littler to deciding legs in the first two sets before Littler ultimately triumphed over Labanauskas, a former World Championship quarter-finalist.

Reflecting on his win, Littler admitted that it was a challenging match but expressed satisfaction with his performance. He highlighted the significance of winning the crucial first set against the odds and acknowledged the pressure of the first-round matchup in the tournament.

Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster commended Littler’s honesty and resilience in overcoming the test posed by Labanauskas. Despite the competitive nature of the match, Littler showcased his skill and determination, setting up a second-round encounter with either David Davies from Wales or Mario Vandenbogaerde from Belgium.

As Littler enjoys a brief break before his next match, fans are eager to see if the young talent will defend his title and secure another victory in the upcoming final scheduled for next month. The first round of the championship will continue for the next week, culminating in the grand finale on January 3, 2026.

In other matches on the opening night, former champion Michael Smith defeated Women’s World Matchplay winner Lisa Ashton 3-0. Smith acknowledged the nerve-wracking start but expressed relief and satisfaction after securing the first set, eventually settling into the game and clinching the win.

The ongoing PDC World Darts Championship, which began on December 11, offers fans the chance to watch every match live exclusively through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.