Like Littler just misses out on 9-darter in first round win

A tearful Luke Littler came within millimetres of opening his quest for a maiden World Championship crown with a nine-dart finish as he beat Ryan Meikle on Saturday night.

The teenage sensation was back on the Alexandra Palace stage 12 months on from his remarkable debut run to the final and showed everyone why he is the favourite to win the title this year.

Littler was a breath away from darting perfection when he missed double 12, but he threw a stunning 140.91 average in the final set to win 3-1.

He was overcome with emotion at the end, cutting short his on-stage interview