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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Yep, that's right. Luke Littler begins his world title defence this evening.
He's third up at Alexandra Palace this evening, following an intriguing game between 2023 champion Michael Smith - seeded 28th after an inconsistent couple of years - and Women's World Matchplay champion Lisa Ashton.
Four-time women's BDO world champion Ashton is one of five women competing in this year's tournament.
First round (best of five sets)
The first match of this year's tournament is almost upon us, so we'd best take a look at what we've got to look forward to tonight with three world champions in action...
Image source, Getty ImagesChristmas is a special time of year and there is so much to enjoy: spending time with family and friends, the food, the presents - I could go on.
But if you're reading this then you know that what really makes this time of year special is the darts!
Yes, that's right, the PDC World Darts Championship begins tonight, meaning the festive season is (un)officially upon us...