LUKES LIKE REIGN AGAIN

Littler is hoping to be the first champion to defend the title in a decade... and he is already planning on a bigger trophy cabinet

- BY MARK WHILEY

LUKE LITTLER is out to become the first person in a decade to successfully defend the World Championship title.

The Nuke became the youngest world champion when he beat Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 final and his star has only risen since.

The 18-year-old has won five major titles since then, including the recent Players Championship Finals, and has overtaken Luke Humphries to sit at the top of the world rankings.

He is the heavy favourite to win a second successive crown at Alexandra Palace and will begin against Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas tonight.

Only Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson have ever defended their title at Ally Pally, with the Scot winning in 2015 and 2016 (right).

"Defending is different. I have won the last few majors and now the big one is around the corner," said Littler, who successfully defended his Grand Slam crown by beating Humphries in the final. "Gary Anderson was the last person to go back-to-back and that was 10 years ago. I'll try to go back-to-back.

"Only three people have ever done it, the last time was 10 years ago. So I want to go back-to-back.

"I am very happy with the draw.

"He's not the quickest player in the world, but it's all about getting past the first round.

"It won't be easy, but I just have to try. If there are nerves I will know how to cope. I didn't have a clue last year, but this year I know what to expect."