While not at the level he was during his opening display at least towards the end, Luke Littler faced tougher opposition in his round two clash at the PDC World Darts Championship and prevailed 3-1 against Andrew Gilding.
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Gilding in any other World Darts Championship would've taken some billing given he is the UK Open champion and is seeded at the tournament for the first time in his career.
But given the heroics of the 16-year-old that has sent the darting world into a frenzy, Littler was the favourite going into the clash and averaged 92 in the end as he took his spot in the third round and a real chance awaits against Matt Campbell next up.
Gilding produced a stunning 130 checkout during the opening set, but it was Littler who secured it thanks to a 13-darter in the deciding leg as he continued his incredible form up thanks to a 101.3 average with 75% on the doubles.
He suddenly went one set away, albeit after Gilding squandered a pair of set darts and Littler hit double 16 in the decider to send the crowd into raptures with three 180's and 55% on his doubles. But this is where Littler started to fade for the first time.
He was made to pay in terms of missed doubles and Gilding produced three straight legs with Littler's average down around the 88 mark as he looked to let 'Goldfinger' in amid the barrage previously in the contest.
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In the next set, Littler was made to rue missed darts at double again and Gilding ironically despite the set scoreline led in legs. But Gilding missed three to go two up and Littler went one away from the finishing line with a break. But it was Gilding this time who faltered on 96 and Littler hit double 10 off 35 to seal the win and set up a clash with Matt Campbell.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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LITTLER HAS DONE IT AGAIN!
Luke Littler wins his second game on the Ally Pally stage in as many days as he defeats Andrew Gilding 3-1!
The 16-year-old is into round three!
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