“LUKE LITTLER broke a PDC World Darts Championship record during his match with Rob Cross on Monday. Littler, 18, was in fine form as he beat the former world champ with an average of 106.82. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Luke Littler broke a PDC World Darts Championship record during his win”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
Littler, 18, was in fine form as he beat the former world champ with an average of 106.82.
Thank you!
Luke Littler broke a PDC World Darts Championship record during his win over Rob CrossCredit: Shutterstock Editorial And the Nike also hit a 180 that would prove to be a historic milestone.
One of Littler’s multiple 180s in the match was the 915th of the tournament, a new record high for the competition.
The previous record was 914, set in the 2024 edition of the worlds two years ago.
Luke Humphries‘ massive 23 180s in the final pushed that number over the previous record of 901, so it is only fitting that his opponent in that match and new world No1 Littler would be the one to surpass it.
And he did it in style, with a handful more 180s from him and Cross taking the total to 920 by the end of the match.
It is no surprise that the record has found itself beaten well before the end of the tournament due to the expanded field at this year’s event.
The 2026 Worlds at Ally Pally features a record 128 competitors, up from the historical 96 players.
So with all those extra matches, it would have been surprising not to see the record tick upward.
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But the extra 180s are a welcome sight as with the record tally comes a record charity donation from tournament partners Paddy Power.
The betting platform dedicates £1,000 to every 180 scored in the tournament to Prostate Cancer UK, with the tally now standing at £920,000.
Littler opened up on the Ally Pally crowd after the resultCredit: Sky Sports They also have a bounty on any nine-darters scored on the Ally Pally stage, with a £180,000 prize set to be split evenly between the player, Prostate Cancer UK and a lucky fan in the audience should one be managed.
This year’s tournament is yet to produce a nine-dart finish, but with Littler clearly in the form of his life, it is not hard to imagine him pulling one out of the bag.
He will have the chance to do it on New Year’s Day, against one of Luke Woodhouse and Krzysztof Ratajski.
On the basis of his reception against Cross, Littler will be playing that match against the crowd as much as his opponent.
The Warrington thrower gave an explosive interview after being booed throughout his win, firing a snarky comment at the crowd.
Littler said: “I’m not bothered. Really not bothered.
“Can I say one thing? You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize money. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Come on!”
LUK OUT!