Luke Littler delivered a commanding performance at the PDC World Championship, securing his place in the last 16 with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Mensur Suljovic. The reigning world champion exhibited exceptional form, silencing any speculation that Suljovic’s notoriously slow playing style might disrupt his rhythm. Littler dominated the match, winning 12 of the 15 legs played in a swift and decisive display.
The 18-year-old sensation recorded his highest-ever average at Alexandra Palace, an impressive 107.09. He also hit nine 180s and achieved a punishing 71 per cent success rate on his doubles, underscoring his precision and power. Littler expressed confidence after the match, stating he felt “settled” and that his performance reflected his comfort on the big stage, reinforcing his mission to defend his historic title.
“That’s the best I’ve felt. I think even last year’s tournament and the one before that, that’s the most I’ve been settled,” Littler remarked in his post-match interview, attributing his high average and finishing to this newfound composure. He confirmed his team’s usual preparation, packing enough clothes “to the final,” signalling his clear intent to go all the way. He now awaits the winner of the match between Rob Cross and Damon Heta.
Earlier in the tournament, fourth seed Stephen Bunting became the highest-ranked player to exit, falling to an inspired James Hurrell in a deciding set. Hurrell, who had previously defeated 29th seed Dirk Van Duijvenbode, continued his impressive run with another determined performance against the popular Merseysider. Bunting appeared out of sorts, struggling to find his rhythm throughout the encounter.
Hurrell seized an early advantage, securing the first set against the darts and pushing Bunting into a deep 2-0 deficit in the second. Despite a spirited comeback from Bunting, including a superb 161 checkout, Hurrell consistently scored and maintained pressure. The match saw several decisive legs and set deciders, with Hurrell ultimately breaking Bunting’s resolve in the final set to clinch the biggest win of his career.
Veteran Swede Andreas Harrysson continued his remarkable debut at the World Championship, securing a 4-2 victory over world number 33 Ricardo Pietreczko. The 50-year-old, who qualified by topping the PDC Nordic & Baltic Order of Merit, has proven he belongs on the sport’s biggest stage. His impressive journey included earlier victories over 12th seed Ross Smith and crowd favourite Motomu Sakai, showcasing his unexpected prowess.
Harrysson built on a solid start against Pietreczko, sweeping both the third and fifth sets 3-0 with a match average of 96.11. His consistent scoring and clinical finishing propelled him into the next round, where he is scheduled to face fifth seed Jonny Clayton. Harrysson’s unexpected run has added an intriguing narrative to this year’s competition.
In another closely contested match, Jonny Clayton, who received a bye in the previous round, advanced to the last 16 for the fifth consecutive year after defeating Niels Zonneveld 4-3. Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski also navigated a tense encounter, surviving three match darts to beat Wesley Plaisier by the same margin. Ratajski will now face Luke Woodhouse, who overcame Andrew Gilding 4-1.
