The favorite

Littler has won 139 of his 181 matches in 2024. He has hit four 9-dart finishes — the quickest way to win a leg of darts from the starting point of 501. These things make him, for many, the favorite for the world championship, which started last Sunday.

"Luke Littler was forged into a winner, not just a great dart-thrower," John Part, a three-time world champion from Canada who is calling matches at the world championship for Sky Sports, told reporters.

"He was the best at each age level he's gone through, so is aware of how to win, and he's so comfortable with it. He doesn't feel pressure at all."

Littler said he'll be following a simple routine over the next few weeks: "A lot of sleep, practice, Xbox, and chilling out."

He will next face Ian White, who also hails from Littler's hometown of Runcorn, in the third round on Dec 28.

Agencies via Xinhua