World Darts Championship Day 1 betting tips: Luke Littler begins defence at Ally Pally

The PDC World Darts Championship begins on Thursday as Luke Littler takes centre stage at the Alexandra Palace.

Littler faces Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas in the second match of the evening in his bid to become the youngest player to ever defend the trophy.

Michael Smith, the 2023 world champion, takes on Lisa Ashton in the match prior. Ashton has won four BDO world titles and has featured in the PDC World Championships on four previous occasions.

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World Darts Championship day 1 betting tips

• Tip 1 – Standout bet of the day: Michael Smith to win 3-0 @ 4/7
• Tip 2 – Possible surprise: Over 3.5 total sets in the Littler/Labanauskas match @ 6/1
• Stats Tip: Over 5.5 180s in the Littler/Labanauskas match @ 4/6
• Daily Treble: Kim Huybrechts to win, Madars Ramza to win and highest checkout over 126.5 in Littler/Labanauskas match @ 3/1

Standout bet of the day: Michael Smith to win 3-0 @ 4/7

Smith has endured somewhat of a troublesome year in 2025, failing to qualify for the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and European Championship.

He did, however, return to some sort of form at the Grand Slam. The Englishman reached the quarter-finals, defeating Nathan Aspinall in the group stage and Chris Dobey in the last 16.

His run was ended by Luke Humphries, but it showed that the former world champion still has what it takes to beat some of the best players in the game.

Ashton lost two of her three games at the Grand Slam 5-0, while she has won just five sets in her four appearances at the PDC World Championships. 

Expect Smith to come out all guns blazing in this tie on Thursday.

Possible surprise: Over 3.5 total sets in the Littler/Labanauskas match @ 6/1

Litter is the overwhelming favourite to win a second world title and given his form this season, it is no wonder why.

He has won five PDC majors between March and November and is 1/33 to beat Labanauskas to reach round two.

The Lithuanian could prove to be a stubborn opponent, however, and has the ability to win at least one leg against Littler.

He has played 14 matches at the tournament – reaching the quarter-final in 2020 – and has won at least one set in 13 of those games.

As such, odds of 6/1 are very tempting indeed.

Stats Tip: Over 5.5 180s in the Littler/Labanauskas match @ 4/6

Littler will be keen to begin his campaign brightly and we all know his penchant for 180s. When he won the 2025 event, the teenager hit 76 maximums on his way to victory.

He also hit 41 on his way to winning the Grand Slam in October and with a minimum of nine legs needed to win the match, there is plenty time for him to hit a few.

His Lithuanian opponent might not be as proficient at hitting maximums, but if he finds his form early, there is a chance he can reel off one or two during the match as well.

Daily Treble: Kim Huybrechts to win, Madars Ramza to win and highest checkout over 126.5 in Littler/Labanauskas match @ 3/1

Kim Huybrechts might not be entering the tournament in great form, but his experience at the Ally Pally should see him through this first round tie.

The Belgian lost in the opening round at the last edition and he will be hoping to avoid a repeat of this against Arno Merk.

Likewise, Madars Ramza has reached the third round in his previous two editions of this tournament, beating the likes of Dirk van Duijvenbode and Mike De Decker along the way.

With a clash against Dimitri van den Bergh potentially awaiting, expect Ramza to use this as incentive to win.

As mentioned, Littler will be seeking to make a statement in his opening round. With Labanauskas proving no slouch either, expect at least on checkout of over 126.5 in this intriguing first round clash.

2026 PDC World Championship Odds and Offer

2026 PDC World Darts Championship Winner Odds:

• Luke Littler – 1/1
• Luke Humphries – 7/2
• Gian van Veen – 12/1
• Gerwyn Price – 14/1
• Josh Rock – 14/1
• Michael van Gerwen – 16/1
• Nathan Aspinall – 40/1
• Stephen Bunting – 40/1

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