Luke Littler became the face of darts after his first outing at the PDC World Championship and he’s the main attraction again on his return.
‘The Nuke’ burst onto the sporting scene by reaching last year’s final at Ally Pally at age 16 and in his debut professional tournament.
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Littler became the youngest finalist in PDC World Darts Championship history but ultimately fell at the final stage following a 7-4 defeat to Luke Humphries.
He is now back in north London and one of the favourites for glory this year.
Littler survived a scare before Christmas against world No.62 Ryan Meikle to seal a 3-1 victory but became visibly emotional in his post-match interview.
Fortunately for the No.4 seed, he then enjoyed a mini-break before Christmas Day and returned to the oche with another battling win over Ian White in the third round.
Littler will now look to kick on and improve round-by-round.
When is Littler’s next match?
The teenage star continues his World Darts Championship campaign against Ryan Joyce in round four.
Newcastle-born Joyce, a qualifier from the Pro Tour Order of Merit, edged past Ryan Searle 4-3 in the last round.
Littler vs Joyce will take place on Monday, December 30 but the start time for the match has not been confirmed as of yet.
The winner of the tie will then face either 12th-seed Nathan Aspinall or Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko in the quarter-finals.
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Littler at the PDC: How to follow
talkSPORT will have live commentary of the World Darts Championship action across the network.
Our commentary team on talkSPORT 2 includes former players Paul Nicholson and Chris Mason alongside Ian Danter, Mark Wilson, Chris Murphy and Gabbie Partington.
Mark Wilson will have updates throughout the evening on talkSPORT for all the headline news and reaction too.
talkSPORT.com will also be right across the action with reaction and all of the latest news.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Littler will also be streamed on Sky Sports Main Event and Arena.
What has been said?
Following his third-round win, Littler said: “I know I can do a lot better, but in set-play, it’s all about winning.
“I was happy with my performance scoring-wise.
“My doubles need to be a bit better, but as soon as I won that first set tonight, I felt settled.
“I’m expecting the same old Ryan [Joyce] – hitting his doubles first or second time, but I just need to take the opportunities when I can.”
Meanwhile, Joyce said: “I always talk up my finishing so it’s pleasing to show it on the big stage.
“I hope this is the start of me being able to produce 100 averages every time I play.
“I know I will have to be at my best against Luke to have any chance of winning, but he will need to play well to beat me too!”
Where to buy Luke Littler’s darts range
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler has released a collection with Target Darts, with prices starting at just £14.95.
Choose from darts, hardware and accessories endorsed by the Grand Slam of Darts Champion 2024, or pick up The Nuke’s purple playing shirt, on the Target Darts website.
Highlights include:
