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luke littler He returned to the scene of his greatest moment in style, advancing easily in the opening round of the World Championship.
Littler made history in January when he became the youngest world champion, taking the top spot Alexandra Palace stage at the age of 17.
He has since set his sights on becoming the first man to defend his title gary anderson In 2016 and made a winning debut against Darius Labanauskas.
Twelve months ago, Littler was left in tears after running away nervously in the opening match against Ryan Meikle, but the champion was not going to let that happen again and secured a 3-0 win in just 25 minutes.
His average was an impressive 101.54, he bowled seven 180s and achieved over two tons of finishes.
Littler is the clear favorite for more glory at darts’ festive feast as it was his 14th consecutive senior win as of October 25.
In that time he became world number one after winning the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship and began to dominate the game in a way that has not been seen since. michael van gerwen In the mid-2010s.
But he was happy to start with a win, saying during his on-stage interview: “Everyone in the tournament just wants to get through the first round.
“It’s definitely, definitely the hardest game. It doesn’t matter who you play. If you don’t play well, you’re not going to win. But I’m very happy with that.”
Littler’s opening round win came on the day he made the six-man shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
Although he could win the Sid Waddell Trophy again on January 3, the 18-year-old is not expected to win any additional silverware.
Asked if he thought he could win, he replied: “I don’t think so. If I had to give my winner, it would definitely be Lando (Norris).”
michael smith Ely returned to winning ways by beating Lisa Ashton 3-0 at Pally.
Smith’s career has derailed since winning here three years ago, with injuries and poor form causing him to slide down the rankings.
Last year’s loss to Kevin Doates at the first hurdle was the nadir, but he put everything to rest with an easy dismissal of Ashton, who is still waiting for his first win on the Alexandra Palace stage.
Smith said: “I had to stay focused and I almost messed up again.
“It’s not a very good game, but I’ll take it. I have 10 days off and I’ll train hard.”
“The butterflies were crazy this morning. For the first time this year I felt 100 percent, but I didn’t play 100 percent. It’s hard to come by the first night, I’m happy to make it.”
German debutant Arno Merck provided the first surprise in the opening match of the tournament.
Merck earned the biggest payday of her career by defeating Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts 3–1, taking home £25,000.