‘Settled’ world champion Luke Littler wastes little time beating Mensur Suljovic

Luke Littler put in a statement performance to bulldoze his way into the last 16 of the World Championship with a 4-0 victory over Mensur Suljovic.

Much was made of how the Austrian’s slow play would affect the world champion, but Littler was in fast forward mode as he won 12 out of 15 legs played.

Littler has made it his mission to defend his historic title and on this evidence it is going to take something special to stop him.

The reigning champion continues his winning form at Ally Pally, as Luke Littler whitewashes Mensur Suljovic!#WCDarts | R3 pic.twitter.com/AIyFHOE0gt

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2025

He recorded an average of 107.09 – his highest ever at Alexandra Palace – hit nine 180s and operated at a punishing 71 per cent success on the doubles.

The 18-year-old, who will face either Rob Cross or Damon Heta in the next round, said on his on-stage interview: “That’s the best I (have) felt. I think even last year’s tournament and the one before that, that’s the most I’ve been settled and it goes to show (with) the average, the finishing and all the ton-plus checkouts.

“Like we do every year, we always pack enough clothes to the final, so we’re packed for six, seven days. But yeah, that’s another round out the way, and I’ll be back in a few days.”

Earlier, Stephen Bunting was the highest seed to crash out of this year’s tournament as he lost to James Hurrell.

HURRELL BEATS BUNTING!

It's another BIG upset at Alexandra Palace!

James Hurrell produces a terrific display to defeat fourth seed Stephen Bunting in a dramatic seven-set affair!