Luke Littler marked his first appearance since becoming world champion with a 6-3 victory over Lourence Ilagan at the Bahrain Masters on Thursday night.
The 17-year-old sensation, who claimed the World Championship title earlier this month, used a new set of darts as he began the defence of his Bahrain crown.
Despite being far from his best and trailing 4-3 at one point, Littler finished strongly to secure his place in the quarter-finals.
The teenage star had to overcome more than just his opponent, as referee Russ Bray was forced to call for order multiple times during the match.
Luke Littler won his first match since becoming world champion
PA
The disruption came from spectators who were whistling loudly as both players prepared to throw, particularly in the early and middle stages of the contest.
The issue was eventually resolved in the latter part of the match, allowing Littler to complete his victory and set up a quarter-final clash with Gerwyn Price.
Littler revealed before the match that his world championship-winning darts would be preserved for posterity.
“I’m not going to throw with the darts I won the World Championship with – they’re going to be in a frame, so now it’s about breaking in a new set,” he said.
JUST IN:Anthony Joshua next opponent identified after Tyson Fury snub
The new arrows maintained the same style and colour as his usual Target-sponsored darts, with Littler continuing to favour the longer points he believes give him a better chance of scoring 180s.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Littler expressed his determination to retain the title he won in Bahrain last year.
“I think every player wants to kick off this year by winning here in Bahrain, and retaining my title would be a great present going into my 18th birthday!” he said.
READ MORE:Virat Kohli comes under fire as India told to drop superstar ahead of England tour
Referee Russ Bray had to intervene amid a hostile crowd towards Luke Littler
ITV
“It would mean the absolute world to come back and retain it as the World Champion,” Littler added.
“I’ve already kicked off 2025 the best it can get, but to win two tournaments this month would mean the world.”
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
LITTLER SURVIVES ILAGAN SCARE ☢️
Made to work at times but Luke Littler skips over the line eventually as he beats Lourence Ilagan 6-3.
📺 https://t.co/hHaJAJfFOa#WorldSeriesDarts pic.twitter.com/Q2OUAZtdxM
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 16, 2025
World number one Luke Humphries made an impressive start to the tournament, defeating Abdulla Saeed without dropping a leg.
Gerwyn Price and Stephen Bunting both secured 6-3 victories in their opening matches.
Chris Dobey also progressed without losing a leg in his contest.
However, there was a major upset as former world champion Rob Cross, seeded third, suffered a shock 6-3 defeat to world number 225 Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines.
+ There are no comments
Add yours