Sixteen-year-old Luke Littler raced through to round two of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship – but former champion Peter Wright was knocked out.
Littler, making his debut in the competition, put in an impressive performance as he beat Dutchman Christian Kist 3-0 at Alexandra Palace.
Two-time winner Wright struggled and was beaten 3-0 by Jim Williams.
England’s Littler said of his win: “I’m over the moon. I can’t believe how quickly I settled into the game.”
The teenager added on Sky Sports: “When I was walking on I was a bit nervous but, as soon as I found the rhythm, I was in.”
Littler hit seven 180s and averaged 106.12 on the way to victory and will play compatriot Andrew Gilding in the next round on Thursday.
Wright could only average 83.87 and managed to hit just four of 18 attempts at a double as the 2020 and 2022 title winner was brushed aside by Welshman Williams in their second-round match.
Ross Smith hit seven 180s and produced the second 170 checkout of the tournament during his second-round win against Niels Zonneveld.
“It wasn’t a great game and I didn’t play nowhere near what I can,” said Smith, who was stung by a wasp on stage after the match. “But I can enjoy my turkey and pigs in blankets now.
“I tried to get some fire in my belly, but it was really difficult. I was a bit nervy the last couple of days, everyone is because you just want to get through.
“I will relax now and hopefully be better after Christmas.”
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