PDC World Darts Championship: Luke Littler almost hits nine-darter in opening win

Littler returned to Alexandra Palace to a boisterous reception from more than 3,000 spectators and delivered an astonishing display in the fourth set.

He was on for a maximum after his opening two throws in both of the first two legs and completed the set in 32 darts – the minimum possible is 27.

The teenager will next play after Christmas against European Championship winner Ritchie Edhouse, the 29th seed, or Ian White, and is seeded to meet Humphries in the semi-finals.

Having entered last year’s event ranked 164, the teenager is up to four in the world and will go to number two if he reaches the final again this time.

He has won 10 titles in his debut professional year, including the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts.

After reaching the World Championship final as a debutant aged just 16, Littler’s life has been transformed and interest in darts has rocketed,

Google say he was the most searched-for athlete online in the UK during 2024.

This Christmas, more than 100,000 children are expected to be opening Littler-branded magnetic dartboards as presents.

His impact has helped double the number of junior academies and has prompted plans to expand the World Championship.

Littler was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year on Tuesday and was runner-up to athlete Keely Hodgkinson in the main award.