When is Luke Littler’s opening PDC World Championship match and who will he face? Date, start time and how to watch

Luke Littler will begin his PDC World Darts Championship title defence this week.

‘The Nuke’ became the youngest world champion in the sport’s history by beating Michael van Gerwen in last year’s final.

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Littler has since added to his list of record-breaking achievements by becoming world number one.

It means he will return to Alexandra Palace as the top seed for the 2025/26 edition of the tournament.

The 18-year-old also does so on a 13-match winning streak which dates back to October.

Since losing to Matt Campbell at Players Championship 34, Littler has lifted both the Grand Slam of Darts and The Players Championship titles.

Littler will now look to continue his stunning form at Ally Pally on the opening night of the tournament.

He is one of four matches on day one as the event gets underway on Thursday.

When is Luke Littler playing?

Littler will take on Darius Labanauskas in the first round of the 2025/26 World Darts Championship.

Their clash is the third match of the evening session on Thursday and is scheduled to begin at 9pm.

It follows Kim Huybrechts vs Arno Merk and Michael Smith vs Lisa Ashton.

The best of five sets encounter will then be followed by the final match of the evening between Madars Razma and Jamai van den Herik.

A win for Littler will see him face either Mario Vandenbogaerde or David Davies in the second round.

That clash has been provisionally scheduled for Sunday, December 21.

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How to follow Littler vs Labanauskas

talkSPORT will have full coverage of the darts this Christmas with our commentary team of Ian Danter, Mark Wilson, Paul Nicholson and Chris Mason. 

Commentary of Littler vs Labanauskas will be live on the talkSPORT App.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream or find us on DAB digital radio through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

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Sky Sports will have live coverage of the opening night of the PDC World Darts Championship.

Their coverage on Sky Sports Main Event is scheduled to begin at 7pm.

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Who is Darius Labanauskas?

Lithuanian number one Labanauskas will be making his seventh appearance at the PDC World Darts Championship.

The 49-year-old’s previous best saw him reach the quarter-finals back in 2020.

However, he was beaten in the first round by Ryan Joyce 12 months ago.

Labanauskas has previously hit a nine-darter at Ally Pally, doing so against Mike De Decker four years ago.

He heads into his clash with Littler ranked 95th in the PDC rankings.

What has Littler said?

Littler is eager to win back-to-back titles despite being nervous ahead of his opening match.

He said: “I was nervous when I wasn’t champion, and now I’m coming in as a reigning champion, there’s just going to be a bit of nerves, but once I get a few legs on the board, I think I’ll be good to go.

“I wouldn’t say worse, because I know what to expect, if I am nervous and start getting the shakes or something, I know what to do, just got to compose yourself, drink your water backstage. Like I said, there’s going to be nerves, 100 per cent.

“It has been 10 years since someone won this back-to-back, so that’s what’s on my mind, and then I think about the money.”

Having enjoyed a stunning year in the sport, Littler was also asked if he’s already among the greatest players ever.

“No, obviously Michael (van Gerwen) and Phil (Taylor), they’ve won two, three, four of everything, I’ve just got to keep going,” he added.

“I’ve got to keep winning titles, I’ve got to keep picking up all those titles of the same kind. We will see where we are.”