World Darts Championship LIVE: Luke Littler gets through tricky test against Ryan Meikle to reach third round
The 17-year-old began his quest to create history at Ally Pally and dethrone Luke Humphries after falling one short earlier this year
Luke Littler began his quest for PDC World Darts Championship glory with the biggest name in the sport beating Ryan Meikle 3-1 in the second round at the Ally Pally.
On an off night for the teenager he managed to clinch the opening set by checking out 100 against the throw. Meikle was not to be beaten in a flurry though and fought back to level the match 1-1 after the second. A break of throw to win the third set signalled that Littler was finding his range and he stepped up in the fourth.
A 10-dart leg and and an 11-dart leg were enough to sweep his opponent aside but Littler was too emotional to take part in the post-match interview after claiming his win.
Elsewhere, the legendary Raymond van Barneveld was beaten by Wales’ Nick Kenny and dark horse Damon Heta faced Connor Scutt in a stacked evening session.
Follow all the action with our live blog below at Ally Pally on Day 7 of the World Championship:
World Darts Championship 2025: Luke Littler 0-0 (1-1) Ryan Meikle
World Darts Championship 2025: Luke Littler 0-0 (1-1) Ryan Meikle
In response Luke Littler lands five perfect darts to move from 501 to 186 then adds 89 and leaves 97 for the checkout. Littler is finding his rhythm.
Littler has time, he takes off another 45 and has 52 to finish. One dart hits 12, the next lands in double 20. He’s on the board.
World Darts Championship 2025: Luke Littler 0-0 (0-1) Ryan Meikle
Ryan Meikle starts off the match with the throw and lands a couple of trebles to get moving quickly. Littler starts a little slowly as he looks to hone in on the treble 20.
Meikle hits 20, hits 16 and slides above the double 20 to miss out on a 76 checkout. Littler is nowhere near him in this leg and Meikle misses out on three more darts to finish.
It takes him until double 2 to hold his throw but he manages it!
World Darts Championship 2025: Luke Littler v Ryan Meikle
Here comes Luke Littler!
The walk on music blares and he gives his mum a cuddle just before heading onto the stage. The crowd have been waiting for The Nuke to get his campaign going.
Can he get the job done tonight?
World Darts Championship 2025: Luke Littler v Ryan Meikle
Next up is the main event of the evening as Luke Littler takes to the stage to face Ryan Meikle.
Meikle defeated Fallon Sherrock in the first round and now has to face one of the best players in the world at present. Littler is the favourite with the bookmakers to win the tournament this year but will know he needs to perform in this second round clash.
World Darts Championship 2025: Raymond van Barneveld 1-3 Nick Kenny
Nick Kenny lands the latest darts upset of the World Championship by taking out Raymond van Barneveld. It’s the Welshman’s biggest win of his career and sets up a clash with reigning champion Luke Humphries after Christmas.
What a match.
World Darts Championship 2025: Raymond van Barneveld 1-3 Nick Kenny
Oh Kenny has it. He easily outscores Van Barneveld to leave himself 61 but doesn’t check it out. On his next trip up he needs 32 and slides all three darts wide of the target.
Barney fails to take out 132 and gives Kenny another go. He’s missed four darts to win the match. He misses double 16, misses double 8 and the lands double 4!
Nick Kenny has beaten Raymond van Barneveld!
World Darts Championship 2025: Raymond van Barneveld 1-2 Nick Kenny
Nick Kenny has a shot to break throw and win the match. He needs to take out 146 but slides away from the triple 20. He notches up a 100 and leaves 46 with Barney missing 60.
Kenny lands triple 10 to leave two shots at double 8. He misses them both!
Barney then lands double 10 and draws the set level at 2-2!
World Darts Championship 2025: Raymond van Barneveld 1-2 Nick Kenny
Barney keeps the pressure on Kenny who is starting to miss his trebles. There’s a nervous atmosphere are the Ally Pally as Barney looks to save this match.
Kenny steps up to the plate and nails a 180 and the crucial time! He’s left with 120 but doesn’t finish it and leaves 35. Barney can’t checkout and Kenny lands double 16 to move one leg away from a historic victory.
World Darts Championship 2025: Raymond van Barneveld 1-2 Nick Kenny
Kenny, having lost the last set easily, manages to compose himself and takes the first leg with a double 10 checkout. He’s holding himself together well as he closes in on a huge win.
Can he get over the line? Van Barneveld needs to break throw as well as holding his own. Barney tries to take out 32 to level the set at 1-1 but misses double 8.
Kenny has 103 left, he doesn’t manage it and Barney takes out the remaining eight to level things.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments