- Luke Littler posted an incredible 106.12 average and hit seven 180s on his debut
- The youngster powered past Christian Kist to book his spot in the second round
- Peter Wright, a two-time winner, was dumped out by Jim Williams in a shock loss
Darting prodigy Luke Littler cruised to a debut win at the World Darts Championship aged just 16 – but Peter Wright was knocked out in a major shock.
Littler delivered a scintillating display at Alexandra Palace to ease beyond Christian Kist 3-0, racking up an average of 106.12 and seven 180s along the way.
He will next play Andrew Gilding and returns to action this evening. Hilariously, he was serenaded by ‘you’ve got school in the morning’ chants from the crowd.
‘I’m over the moon,’ Littler said. ‘I can’t believe how quickly I settled into the game.’
Speaking to Sky Sports, the bullish teenager added: ‘When I was walking on I was a bit nervous but, as soon as I found the rhythm, I was in.’
Darting prodigy Luke Littler cruised to a debut win at the World Darts Championship aged 16
Two-time winner Peter Wright crashed out in the second round after a 3-0 loss by Jim Williams
Littler is now among the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy, though the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and Michael Smith remain in the hat.
Discussing Littler’s red-hot performance, former PDC pro Mark Webster said: ‘I thought he’d play well. Did I think he’d play that well?! Not a chance.
‘That was incredible. He’s fearless, he’s so talented.
‘Sometimes you’re set up to fall when you come on these big stages, but there was no sign of that.
‘He was dominant from the start. A 14-darter on your debut leg and he just enjoyed it.
Littler stormed to an impressive 3-0 win over Christian Kist and next takes on Andrew Gilding
‘That’s a statement performance. That’s title-winning form and he’s a serious threat in this competition now.
‘I think he can win the whole thing! If he does that to Andrew Gilding, that’ll send out another message.’
Two-time winner Wright, however, was beaten by Jim Williams in the second round.
Wright, sporting a luminous green Grinch costume, mustered up an average of just 83.87 and found the target with only four of his 18 attempts at a double.
Williams, a BDO runner-up in 2020, said: ‘I was fighting myself all the way and it’s a little bit frustrating – but hopefully we’ll get there.’
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