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Luke Littler Shines with Record-Breaking Debut
Teenage sensation Luke Littler made history at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship with an exceptional debut performance. Despite two-time winner Peter Wright’s early exit, it was Littler who stole the spotlight at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday.
**Littler’s Stellar Debut**
At just 16, Littler, the fourth youngest player in the championship’s history, set a new benchmark, recording the highest-ever average by a debutant in this prestigious event. His stunning display included a breathtaking win against former Lakeside Champion Christian Kist, marked by a remarkable 110 average and seven maximums.
🗣️ “Tonight was a whole different level!”
Hear from 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler after his 106 average on debut, in a 3-0 win over Christian Kist! pic.twitter.com/cZ46VYhwU8
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 20, 2023
**Words from the Rising Star**
Reflecting on his performance, Littler expressed his disbelief at achieving the highest debut average in the World Championship: “It’s unbelievable. To hit the highest average on debut at the World Championship – this definitely ranks at the top of my achievements so far.”
**Wright’s Unexpected Exit**
In a surprising turn, Peter Wright, a previous World Championship winner, faced a disheartening defeat at the hands of Jim Williams, marking his earliest exit since 2018/19.
**Other Highlights of the Day**
The day saw remarkable displays from various players: Ross Smith’s spectacular 170 checkout, Ryan Joyce’s return to form, and William O’Connor’s clinical performance, among others.
**Exciting Matches Ahead**
As the tournament progresses, thrilling encounters await, including Luke Littler’s return to face UK Open champion Andrew Gilding and 2018 champion Rob Cross’s campaign kickoff.
**What’s Next**
Thursday’s sessions promise more intense action with players like Danny Noppert and last year’s semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens stepping onto the stage, concluding the first-round action and setting the stage for exhilarating matchups in the subsequent rounds.
2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Wednesday December 20
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Radek Szaganski 3-2 Marko Kantele (3-1, 2-3, 2-3, 3-1, 3-0) (R1)
Steve Lennon 3-2 Owen Bates (1-3, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1) (R1)
William O’Connor 3-0 Bhav Patel (3-0, 3-0, 3-0) (R1)
Ross Smith 3-1 Niels Zonneveld (3-0, 3-2, 2-3, 3-1) (R2)
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Ryan Joyce 3-1 Alex Spellman (0-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-0) (R1)
Richard Veenstra 3-0 Ben Robb (3-2, 3-1, 3-2) (R1)
Luke Littler 3-0 Christian Kist (3-0, 3-1, 3-1) (R1)
Jim Williams 3-0 Peter Wright (3-2, 3-2, 3-0) (R2)
Thursday December 21
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
2x First Round, 2x Second Round
Mickey Mansell v Xiaochen Zong (R1)
Luke Woodhouse v Berry van Peer (R1)
Madars Razma v Mike De Decker (R2)
Rob Cross v Thibault Tricole (R2)
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
4x Second Round
Andrew Gilding v Luke Littler (R2)
Danny Noppert v Scott Williams (R2)
Gabriel Clemens v Man Lok Leung (R2)
Damon Heta v Martin Lukeman (R2)
LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com
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