Home Sports Luke Littler vs Ryan Meikle – World Darts Championship: Live score and set-by-set updates as The Nuke targets first world title

Luke Littler vs Ryan Meikle – World Darts Championship: Live score and set-by-set updates as The Nuke targets first world title

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Luke Littler vs Ryan Meikle - World Darts Championship: Live score and set-by-set updates as The Nuke targets first world title

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Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest results and updates from the World Darts Championship clash between Luke Littler and Ryan Meikle at Alexandra Palace.

Littler 1-1 Miekle

But Littler on shot quickly gets back into the game with a maximum blitz!

A confident start from Littler makes Meikle a little nervous, stuck at 224 as Littler races to 52.

With a quick double top, Littler has his statement of intent. Don’t get in here.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Luke Littler of England throws against Ryan Meikle of England during their second round match on day seven of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship 2024/25 at Alexandra Palace on December 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

Littler 0-1 Miekle

‘There’s only one Luke Littler!’ It plays around the Palace as the players warm up with their latest pitches.

Meikle on the shot starts with two triples, looking as confident as can be, while Littler is a little slower to shrug off the rust of going over the first round.

Coming in at 133 with some room ahead of Littler’s 290, he is in a good position to take the opening leg, but it takes him some time before finding the required double 10.

Littler can only reach him a little, before Meikle stops the throw.

And here’s who everyone’s been waiting for.

As expected, the crowd goes wild and sings their now familiar farewell song.

It’s just a few moments until we’re up and running here.

Meanwhile, look who’s snuck in? A certain Matty Cash, fresh from beating embattled champions Manchester City at Villa Park.

It’s under the baseball cap, I promise.

Aston Villa player Matty Cash (centre) on day seven of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Photo date: Saturday December 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent of the rights holder.

Here comes the barber.

…and is greeted with a round of boos. Ah, the curse of playing a fan favorite.

An advantage, however, is the ability to play without pressure. Yes, he didn’t easily overcome his first-round opponent, Fallon Sherrock, but there’s surely no harm in giving it his all against a talent like Littler.

Luke Littler’s last words before boarding the oche

The teen has a short video interview as the moments progress until his arrival. Has it really only been a year?

I was telling my mom and dad, I only remember bits and pieces from last year.

This year has been brilliant and I’ve been looking forward to getting on stage all week.

I’ve grown in the last 12 months, so I hope I can win tonight. It’s about getting over that first game.

FILE - Luke Littler of England celebrates after winning the semi-final match against Scott Williams of England at the World Darts Championships, in London, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

Kieran Gill is Mail Sport’s man at Palace

And here is your first office…

Good evening from one of the only sober souls inside Alexandra Palace. Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld may have lost, but he didn’t, so an entry for Ally Pally represented the hottest thing in town this Saturday night.

We’re all here for Luke Littler, Prince of the Palace, to watch him begin his quest for the World Championship crown. His opponent Ryan Meikle may be a slow player, but he’ll know everyone is rooting for Littler anyway, so he won’t mind if he frustrates some fans in this match, I’m sure.

A general view of costumed spectators during day seven of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Photo date: Saturday December 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent of the rights holder.

So who is the lucky one who will face the heavy favorite tonight?

“The Barber” is not an empty nickname: Meikle is one of the only stars who still has a job. Knocking the Nuke down from its position would supposedly be a way to abandon it.

As we count down to tonight’s match, why not check out Mail Sport’s profile of the loser, below?

1734817477 198 Luke Littler vs Ryan Meikle World Darts Championship Live

Only a few minutes left until Luke the Nuke returns

Ally Pally fans have just been treated to Nick Kenny’s dismantling of five-time world champion and darts legend Raymond van Barneveld.

The final match was in danger after the winner missed eight darts, but Kenny got there in the end and Van Barneveld is history.

Raymond van Barneveld in action during his second round match against Nick Kenny (right) on day seven of the Paddy Power World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace, London. Photo date: Saturday December 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent of the rights holder.
Nick Kenny in action during his second round match against Raymond van Barneveld (right) on day seven of the Paddy Power World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace, London. Photo date: Saturday December 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent of the rights holder.

Good night!

Hello and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of Luke Littler’s first match at this year’s World Championship, a year on from his meteoric debut.

The new Young Sports Personality of the Year returns to Alexandra Palace with a vengeance after a spectacular year and will face Ryan Meikle in his second round match.

Last year he was a finalist and this year he is the favorite of the tournament. And that journey begins tonight…

Luke Littler reacts losing to Luke Humphries (left) in the final of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Photo date: Wednesday January 3, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent of the rights holder.

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