Luke Littler Claims Victory in Nail-Biting Final Against Ryan Joyce, Prepping for World Championship Quarter-Final Clash with Aspinall – The Sun

LUKE LITTLER ushers in the New Year just THREE GAMES away from possibly becoming the youngest world darts champion ever.

His remarkable debut year in professional sports wrapped up with a thrilling 4-3 win over Ryan Joyce, culminating in the last match of 2024.

Luke Littler defeated Ryan Joyce to advance to the quarter-finals of the world championships

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Luke Littler triumphed over Ryan Joyce to progress to the quarter-finals of the world championshipsCredit: Getty
The teenager will face Nathan Aspinall in the last eight

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The young talent is set to challenge Nathan Aspinall in the upcoming quarter-finalsCredit: PA
Joyce put up a fight but couldn't keep up with Littler's scoring

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Joyce fought hard against Littler but couldn’t match the young star’s scoring capabilityCredit: AP

However, 2025 could be a landmark year if he claims the Sid Waddell Trophy this Friday evening.

At merely 17 years old, he is poised to set a record as the youngest champion, a truly remarkable achievement.

Nathan Aspinall, his next challenger, is sure to put him to the test in the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day, but Littler’s momentum is powerful.

Following his win over Joyce, Littler expressed, “Honestly, I’m not entirely sure how I pulled that off. I told Ryan he was on fire against me.

“I broke Ryan in the first set, but he quickly responded. I managed to break him again, tying it at 2-2.

“My hope was for him to miss! I had multiple chances at the doubles while Ryan’s scoring decreased. I’m pleased with the win.

“Nerves weren’t an issue; it was all adrenaline. The final leg was about standing my ground. It shows I can hit double 12.”

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Littler is favored to win the trophy this year

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Littler is the favorite to claim the title this yearCredit: Rex
He shared a kiss with his mum before heading on stage for the match

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He exchanged a kiss with his mother prior to heading on stage for the matchCredit: PA

“I didn’t finish the year off with five nine-darters, but I’m aiming to kick off the new year strong and score a nine for everyone.

“Nathan and I have met several times in the Premier League. Now, I’ll take some time to relax before being ready for New Year’s Day.”

Luke Littler celebrates after defeating Ian White to advance to the PDC World Championship last 16

“I genuinely want to start the year with a win over Nathan.”

Littler was sound asleep when his closest rival, world No.1 Luke Humphries, was eliminated by Peter Wright, known as Snakebite, on Sunday night.

He learned of the shocking news when he woke at 1:30 am to check the scores on his phone.

The Warrington star recognizes that “all eyes” are now on him, and the pressure will escalate – particularly since he is considered the favorite to win the title by the bookmakers.

Due to increased attention, the PDC has heightened security for his matches, with three guards now present rather than the usual two, ensuring that no one can approach him or his opponent.

Despite this, the crowd’s excitement remained undiminished – they chanted his name and welcomed him like a celebrity.

Big Geordie Joyce, 39, known as Relentless, typically adorns his flights with Tetris shapes, but it was the younger challenger who kicked off the match with remarkable enthusiasm.

In just seven minutes, Littler claimed the first set with a 93.27 average.

However, a fierce contest unfolded, with Joyce leveling the score through a 116 in leg five of the second set.

Littler showcased his skills with a 108 average in the third set, starting with a 66 finish that delighted him, yet he soon became frustrated as Joyce tied it at 2-2.

The No.4 seed returned from the TV break early for practice throws, setting up the next phase of the match.

World No.33 Joyce kicked off with an impressive 117, yet Littler’s 104 average buoyed his spirits, leading him to celebrate his win in set five.

After Littler barely missed a match dart on double top, Joyce landed a crucial double 16, pushing the match to a seventh-set decider – a first for him at Ally Pally.

Littler, who threw a perfect six darts in leg one of the seventh set, achieved victory on double 12 on his fourth match dart, delivering an outstanding final-set average of 110.89.

If there’s any disappointment, it’s that Littler did not end the year with a record-setting fifth nine-darter, which he had aimed for.

Perhaps he can reserve that remarkable achievement for the later stages of the tournament.

Happy New Year, Mr. Littler.

World Darts Championship – top stories

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