'I’ve overachieved once again' - Luke Littler makes humble admission after latest Ally Pally win

Despite not matching the dizzy heights of the record-breaking 106 average 24 hours previous, he showed perseverance to beat UK Open Champion Andrew Gilding 3-1 to kick off the evening at Alexandra Palace.

After being broken in the opening leg, a positive start from Littler saw him regain composure and take the opening set 3-2.

From there, it was a story of missed doubles at crucial moments for Gilding - missing four darts for the set over two legs as teenage sensation Littler recovered from 2-1 down to pinch the second set and lead 2-0.

Gilding then found his groove as he raced to the third set in three straight legs to close the gap to one, but Littler again showed his battling spirit as he took the fourth set 3-1 to wrap up victory and move into the Third Round.

“I am over the moon,” said 16-year-old Littler, a winner of five Winmau Development Tour titles in 2023.

“I’m surprised it didn’t go to a last set, and that is what I was saying to myself - don’t let that happen.

“I was nervous, but somehow my doubles were going in. I could have wrapped it up earlier but I am just happy to get over the line.”

The victory for Littler means he will face Canada’s Matt Campbell for a place in the last 16, and he has now moved into fifth favourite for the title with tournament sponsors Paddy Power.

“I’ve overachieved once again,” insisted World Youth Champion Littler.

“I just wanted to come here to win and then to come back after Christmas, and I am doing that”.

Photo Credit: PDC