Seventeen-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke,” showcased his resilience and skill at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night, defeating Ryan Meikle 3-1 to advance to the third round of the World Darts Championship. The victory, though impressive, was far from straightforward as Littler admitted to battling nerves throughout the match. Littler, making his debut in this year’s event, struggled early on, with the first three sets proving to be a hard-fought contest. However, the teenage star found his stride in a spectacular fourth set, posting a record-breaking average of 140.91. He came agonizingly close to a perfect nine-dart finish, narrowly missing the double 12.
“That was probably the toughest game I’ve ever played, but you’ve got to get over the line,” Littler said.
Emotional Victory
An overwhelmed Littler was visibly emotional following the match, shedding tears as he embraced his parents. Speaking about his post-match reaction, Littler explained:
“When I got on that stage, I felt really nervous, but I managed to find my game from somewhere. I know I am the favourite, but you have to focus on winning your first game, and that’s what I did tonight.”
What’s Next for ‘The Nuke’?
Littler’s triumph ensures his return to Ally Pally after Christmas, where he will face either Ritchie Edhouse or Ian White in the third round. As one of the tournament favorites, he will look to build on his strong finish and continue his journey toward the coveted London major title.
For fans, Littler’s poise under pressure and record-breaking performance offer a glimpse into the potential of one of darts’ brightest young stars.
