Littler, 16, earns emphatic win on Worlds debut

Sixteen year-old Luke Littler made it through to the second round of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship with a 3-0 win against Christian Kist.

Littler, making his debut in the competition, put in an impressive performance as he dominated his Dutch rival at Alexandra Palace.

He hit seven 180s and averaged 106.12 on the way to victory.

"I'm over the moon. I can't believe how quickly I settled into the game," England's Littler said on Sky Sports.

"When I was walking on I was a bit nervous but, as soon as I found the rhythm, I was in."

Littler will play compatriot Andrew Gilding in the next round on Thursday.

Ross Smith hit seven 180s and produced the second 170 checkout of the tournament during his second-round win against Niels Zonneveld.

"It wasn't a great game and I didn't play nowhere near what I can," said Smith, who was stung by a wasp on stage after the match. "But I can enjoy my turkey and pigs in blankets now.

"I tried to get some fire in my belly, but it was really difficult. I was a bit nervy the last couple of days, everyone is because you just want to get through.

"I will relax now and hopefully be better after Christmas."

Afternoon session:

Radek Szaganski (Pol) 3-2 Marko Kantele (Fin) (R1)

Steve Lennon (Ire) 3-2 Owen Bates (Eng) (R1)

William O'Connor (Ire) 3-0 Bhav Patel (Ind) (R1)

Ross Smith (Eng) 3-1 Niels Zonneveld (Ned) (R2)

Evening session:

Ryan Joyce (Eng) 3-1 Alex Spellman (US) (R1)

Richard Veenstra (Ned) 3-0 Ben Robb (NZ) (R1)

Luke Littler (Eng) 3-0 Christian Kist (Ned) (R1)

Peter Wright (Sco) v Jim Williams (Wal) (R2)