Luke Littler remains the favorite to win the World Darts Championship for the first time at Alexandra Palace, although time is running out for him to set a record that is changing It’s “depressing”.

The teenage star and last year’s runner-up began his campaign with a 3-1 victory over Ryan Meikle, recovering from a slow start to record a record-breaking performance in the fourth and final set an average score of 140.91.

Littler’s 32-dart game included six perfect throws in the 11-dart opening game before he came agonizingly close to the 9-dart in the next game, missing D12 for what would have been his fifth 9-dart game . Breakthrough activities.

The 17-year-old has hit nine darts at the Bahrain Darts Masters, The Players Championship 1, the Belgian Darts Open and the 2024 Premier League final, although he has been absent numerous times since then as he attempts to become the first player in PDC history to win one Five nine-dart darts were made during the year.

“It’s definitely a frustration, in a good way,” Littler admitted after his second-round victory over Mikel. Knowing nine darts would result in Ellie Parley being one of the crowd favorites at the Worlds Famous fans win pounds, which brings extra pressure. 60,000. “Obviously, once you switch to Treble 19, your eyes light up.

“I hear the camera turning to the winner, so whoever you are, I’m sorry! I’ll try again.”

His latest near miss came after he attempted nine darts at the Grand Slam of Darts in November, beating Lourence Ilagan and Jermaine Wattimena. Jermaine Wattimena), ultimately failed. This was also his tenth PDC championship this year.

Littler told reporters at Wolverhampton last month that he was considering other ways to finish the match with six perfect darts after an early start, although he had not considered that against Mikel.

“I didn’t even think about 51,” Littler admitted. “The whole game, the shots off screens were pretty good.

“I’ve been off 265 a few times and the treble 19 is playing pretty well, but I might need to spend some time thinking about the treble 17.”

Will we see another nine-dart match at Worlds?

Martin Schindler and Damon Heta also attempted perfect 8-darts in one leg at this year’s World Championships but failed to do so, while Christian Kister Christian Kist made his first nine-dart in a 3-1 win over Madars Razma on 18 December.

Kist’s stunningly perfect legs triggered Paddy Power’s £180,000 prize at The BIGGER 180 event, with the Dutchman taking home £60,000 and charity partner Prostate Cancer UK The remaining £60,000 will be donated to a lucky random fan for the same prize.

“I watched the film at a friend’s house and I didn’t miss a single game except for the night when Ryan (Meeker) played Fallon (Sherlock),” added Littler, who played in last year’s final In his debut, he defeated Kist.

“I just look at my friend and think ‘How did he do that? He’s nowhere near where he was last year!'” Just to show how good he’s been this year, so it’s fair to him – He’s going to have a great holiday! “

Can White shock the “nuke” at Alexandra Palace?

Littler will still face defending champion Luke Humphreys in the semi-finals and his next challenge will be against Ian White in the third round on Saturday, with the winner then facing Ryan in the last 16 ·Joyce or Ryan Searle.

After Sandro Eric Sosin withdrew due to illness, White was eliminated in the first round and defeated European Championship winner Richie Edhaus 3-1 in the next round, with “The Diamond” now targeting The famous Alexandra Palace was upset.

“Listen, this guy’s got talent, we all know that,” White said before the meeting. “He put darts on the map again. Everyone wants to play darts and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to us.

“But suffice it to say, he’s from Runcorn – like me – so he’s second and I’m first!”

Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? You can watch every match live exclusively on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel until January 3rd. Live stream darts and more top sports with NOW.