Luke Littler starts defence of PDC World Championship title with 3-0 victory over Lithuania's Darius Labanauskas
Littler, 18, posts three-dart average of 101.54 and hits seven 180s
Thursday's results: Kim Huybrechts 1-3 Arno Merk, Michael Smith 3-0 Lisa Ashton, Littler 3-0 Labanauskas, Madars Razma 3-1 Jamai van den Herik
All first-round matches are best of five sets; each set is best of five legs
£1m prize for winner of final on Saturday, 3 January
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Littler 2-0 Labanauskas* (1-1)
Image source, Getty ImagesBrilliant from The Nuke!
He responds to Darius Labanauskas' 11-darter with a 12-darter.
Any hopes of Labanauskas stealing a break are snuffed out with a superb 124 checkout, finishing on the bull!
*Littler 2-0 Labanauskas (0-1)
Strong start to the third set from Darius Labanauskas.
He has the luxury of a rare comfortable hold against Luke Littler.
The world champion is not even down to a finish as Labanauskas hits double 16 for an 11-darter.
Littler 2-0 Labanauskas* (0-0)
John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports
It's 6-4 to Littler in legs, which is still a decent performance against the world number one by Darius. He just hasn't been able to get that important set won yet.
That's the difference between Littler and those who can't finish a set off when the pressure is on.
Darren
Nuke averaged 103 in that first set to win 3-2, it just proves how much the standard continues to rise since his rise to the top.
Terry
Littler 2-0 Labanauskas* (3-2)
The numbers are still impressive for both players.
Luke Littler's average has dipped slightly to 102.38 while Darius Labanauskas is holding firm around 95.
It's 5-2 in Littler's favour on 180s, while his 54.5% on the doubles is up on a very respectable 44.4% from his Lithuanian opponent.
Littler 2-0 Labanauskas* (3-2)
Image source, PA MediaA fourth 180 in as many legs helps Luke Littler on his way to a set-sealing hold.
The defending champion is well on his way to victory in his the first game of his title defence.
Double 10 again to wrap up a 14-darter.
*Littler 1-0 Labanauskas (2-2)
Dan Dawson
Commentator on Sky Sports
Rock solid stuff from Darius Labanauskas. In terms of numbers, it's as good as we've seen from Labanauskas on this stage.
*Littler 1-0 Labanauskas (2-2)
Darius Labanauskas might well come up short eventually but he's doing all he can to keep Luke Littler on his toes.
Double 16 for the 49-year-old secures the hold.
But Littler has the darts with a chance to go two sets up.
Littler 1-0 Labanauskas* (2-1)
Luke Littler is a leg away from a 2-0 lead over Darius Labanauskas.
It's the Lithuanian's turn to miss a dart at the bullseye for a break.
Littler comes back and hits double 10 to seal a 60 checkout.
*Littler 1-0 Labanauskas (1-1)
No mistakes on tops this time from Darius Labanauskas.
The Lithuanian earns a crucial hold after Luke Littler misses a dart at the bull to break.
Littler 1-0 Labanauskas* (1-0)
The chance was there for Darius Labanauskas but he misses two at tops for a 65 out and a break of throw.
Luke Littler, waiting on 40, shows him how it's done by hitting tops himself.
*Littler 1-0 Labanauskas (3-2)
Luke Littler averaged 103.59 in that first set but was still pushed all the way by Darius Labanauskas, who was at 95.28.
It says so much about the standards Littler has set for himself that even a 103 average felt a little pedestrian.
Of course, it is anything but - that's just how good Littler is!
*Littler 1-0 Labanauskas (3-2)
Image source, PA MediaThat great start to the deciding leg is not enough for Darius Labanauskas.
Luke Littler is up and running. Under pressure in that set, even in that last leg but he comes through, hitting tops for a 76 checkout.
A 15-dart break of throw and a nice celebration from The Nuke as well.
Image source, PA MediaLittler 0-0 Labanauskas* (2-2)
Luke Littler hits double 16 at the first attempt and we're going to a deciding leg in this first set.
Now is the teenager's time to strike - but Darius Labanauskas starts the fifth leg with a 180...
*Littler 0-0 Labanauskas (1-2)
John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports
I don't care if you're world number one or defending champion, if you're down 2-1 in the opening set, it's a concerning moment. You do not wish to lose the opening set.
*Littler 0-0 Labanauskas (1-2)
Clinical from Darius Labanauskas.
In a tight leg, the Lithuanian holds with a two-dart finish to take out 80.
Luke Littler is not going to have it all his own way in this match.
Littler 0-0 Labanauskas* (1-1)
Luke Littler is on the board.
It takes three darts but he gets tops in the end for a 15-dart hold.
The world champion is still trying to find his best but it's early days.
*Littler 0-0 Labanauskas (0-1)
Darius Labanauskas was right up against it on throw in the opening leg - but takes out 130 to hold!
Superb stuff with Luke Littler waiting on 24.
If anyone was expecting Littler just to show up and that'd enough, there's proof that it'll be a little tougher than that.
Littler v Labanauskas
Image source, Getty ImagesGreat reception for Luke Littler as 'Greenlight' by Pitbull blares out at Ally Pally.
Huge expectations on the teenager in just his third World Championship.
Anything other than defending his title would go down as a bit of a shock.
That defence begins tonight with Darius Labanauskas the first to try to eliminate the champ...
Phill Barrs
Reporter for Online Darts, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live
Until what most of us think will be an epic against Gerwyn Price [in the quarter-finals], I don't see Luke Littler really being tested at all.
There are too many question marks around Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross, they're not in the form where you think they can take him on.
If they roll back the clock, can they produce? Of course they can. But we've seen nothing from either player to suggest they can test Littler at the moment. I see Littler walking into a date with Price in the quarter-finals.