Luke Littler loses World Darts Championship record to unlikely opponent before the 17-year-old has even played at this year’s tournament

  • A record previously held by Luke Littler was broken in Friday’s evening session
  • Littler is set to enter the competition in the second round against Ryan Meikle 

A record previously held by Luke Littler was broken during the opening round of the PDC World Championships on Friday night.

After entering the World Championship as a huge betting outsider, Littler became an overnight sensation during last year’s tournament.

In his extraordinary run the teenager broke several records, including becoming the youngest player ever to reach final, where he was defeated by Luke Humphries.

Littler is set to return to the Alexandra Palace stage on Saturday after receiving a bye to the second round as one of the top 32 seeded players.

However, he will do so with one of his records now belonging to someone else after Callan Rydz whitewashed Romeo Grbavac.

The 26-year-old won nine of the 11 legs played on Friday, and set a new tournament record for an opening round clash with 107.06.

Luke Littler set a World Championship record in his opening round win over Christian Kist last year

But his record for the highest ever average in the opening round was broken on Friday by Callan Rydz

But his record for the highest ever average in the opening round was broken on Friday by Callan Rydz

26-year-old will now face Martin Schindler on Sunday evening for a place in the third round

26-year-old will now face Martin Schindler on Sunday evening for a place in the third round

Littler previously held the record for his impressive win over former BDO champion Christian Kist last year that kick started his run to the final.

Rydz will now face world No 22 Martin Schindler on Sunday for chance to face the winner of Dimitri Van den Bergh and Dylan Slevin in the third round.

‘I could win with a 71 average on that stage, so long as I win I don’t care,’ Rydz said.  ‘I know I can beat everyone … I know if my game turns up, I can beat anyone.’

He continued: ‘I’m quite a lazy person – I don’t like practising, and I’ve missed some events because I didn’t turn up and didn’t want to play, which is the wrong attitude to have.

‘On stage, I’ve been absolutely shocking for the last two years, so if this is a turning point, then happy days. If you spend Christmas at home and you don’t come back down here, it’s a real kick in the backside.

‘Was my 107 average a statement? We’ll see if I can back it up on Sunday.’ 

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