LITTLER ADMITS NERVES WILL BE THERE IN WORLD TITLE DEFENCE
28/11/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
LUKE LITTLER admits there will be nerves when he defends his World Darts Championship title.
The 18-year-old, who made history this year as the youngest world No1, begins his title defence against Darius Labanauskas on December 11 at Ally Pally.
Warrington thrower Littler is aiming to become the first player since Gary Anderson in 2016 to successfully retain the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Littler, who has already won NINE major titles insists he knows how to handle pressure.
He said: “I know there will be nerves. It’s a bit different now, with the added expectation as the reigning champion.
“I was nervous last year when I wasn’t the champion, so I expect the same this year.
“There’s always going to be a bit of nerves.
“I was nervous against Ryan Meikle in my first game last year, and it’s going to be the same now. But once I get a few legs on the board, I’ll be good to go. I know what to expect now.
“If I feel nervous or get the shakes, I know what to do. You just have to compose yourself, have a drink of water on stage, and focus on the job at hand.”
As the £1million prize for the winner of the Worlds becomes a reality this year, Littler is determined to focus on the achievement rather than the money.
He added: “People are going to say whoever wins this year is the first £1million champion.
“But for me, it’s about going back-to-back. Gary Anderson was the last player to do it in 2016, and Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis have also done it.
“That’s what’s on my mind, not just the money.
“It’s rare to go back-to-back and win it again, so that’s all I’m thinking about.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
