Luke Littler will be aiming to go one better at this year’s PDC World Championship but has been dealt a difficult hand after the draw was completed and the schedule was confirmed
Luke Littler will have to compete with Tyson Fury as he kicks off his PDC World Championship campaign.
The 17-year-old has been drawn to face either Fallon Sherrock or Ryan Meikle in the second round of the competition at the Alexandra Palace. The PDC have confirmed that Littler – who reached the final last year – will take to the oche as part of the 7pm matches on 21 December.
And while fans will be keen to see the young star perform, they might be tempted to tune in elsewhere. Tyson Fury is also set to take on Oleksandr Usyk in their Saudi rematch on the same night.
And while TV audiences could potentially be spoilt for choice, it appears that Littler won’t be in direct competition with Fury. The Gypsy King’s ringwalk ahead of taking on Usyk is not expected to take place until 11pm UK time.
Littler has already spoken out on the World Championship ahead of his second appearance at the tournament. He has claimed responsibility for fans being made to wait for a potential meeting between him and last year’s final foe Luke Humphries.
Speaking to the PA News agency, he said: “That’s my fault to get to four in the world! But we have to win our games to get to the semi-final.
“I’m sure we’ll be up for it. We have three or four matches to win before that. We bring the best out of each other, we always play well. When he is on form it’s hard to break through, but the rivalry is going to go on for many more years.
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“It’s been crazy, the ride I have been on. We’re not even 12 months in yet and it has been crazy. I am going to be here for many years, but my full focus is on the next tournament and trying to win the World Championship.”
Meanwhile, Littler’s potential opponent Sherrock has also offered her verdict on a potential match-up. “So I now know I’ll be playing Ryan Meikle in round one at the @OfficialPDC World Championship,” Sherrock wrote on X. “The winner will play a certain Mr Littler in round two. Can’t wait to play at the Palace again.”
As it stands, the pair have not discussed Fury potentially stealing their thunder. The fighter will be aiming to get one over Usyk having lost their prior meeting in Saudi Arabia by split decision – the first defeat of his career.
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