Get all the data for the opening day of the 2026 World Darts Championship…
The PDC World Darts Championship returns to Alexandra Palace this night as Luke Littler begins the defence of his title.
The 18-year-old made historical past in January when he became the youngest world champion within the sport’s historical past, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 within the closing and finishing one of the vital outstanding rises ever seen on the match.
Littler arrives at Ally Pally having already added 9 main PDC trophies to his title, together with final month’s Gamers Championship Finals.
He additionally overtook Luke Humphries within the rankings to maneuver as much as world primary. With that momentum behind him, all eyes will once more be on {the teenager} as he appears to be like to make a robust begin to his marketing campaign.
When does Luke Littler play?
Littler opens his world title defence tonight in opposition to Lithuania’s Darius Labanauskas within the first session of the competitors. The match is scheduled to start at roughly 9pm UK time.
Chatting with Sky Sports activities concerning the draw, he mentioned: “Yeah, very pleased with it. [He’s] not the quickest participant. It’s all about getting previous that first spherical and it received’t be simple, however I’ve simply acquired to try to get previous Darius first time spherical.”
Learn how to watch the 2026 World Darts Championship
The opening session, together with Littler’s match with Labanauskas, will likely be broadcast dwell on Sky Sports activities Most important Occasion and Sky Sports activities Darts.
Protection at this time begins at 6.30pm and runs via to 11pm. Viewers with a Sky Sports activities subscription can even stream the session by way of the NOW app and on Sky Go.
Order of play
The match begins with a night session beginning at 7pm. Littler’s match is the third of 4 fixtures on the opening evening.
Kim Huybrechts v Arno Merk
Michael Smith v Lisa Ashton
Luke Littler v Darius Labanauskas
Madars Razma v Jamai van den Heri
Match dates and prize cash
The 2026 World Darts Championship begins tonight and continues via to Saturday, January 3. The winner will obtain the £1million prime prize, with the runner-up incomes £400,000.
Gamers eradicated in spherical one will take house £15,000, rising to £25,000 for many who fall in spherical two.
Predictions
Littler arrives because the overwhelming favorite to progress, and his latest type suggests he ought to deal with the strain of opening evening as soon as once more.
Michael Smith’s assembly with Lisa Ashton is probably going to offer the closest contest of the session, whereas Huybrechts is predicted to return via the opening match.
Razma’s expertise ought to give him the sting within the closing tie of the night.
