Ryan Meikle has every opportunity to become one of the real stars of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. After dispatching media darling Fallon Sherrock 3-2 on Tuesday night, 'The Barber' is now set for a second round showdown with arguably the biggest name in the sport today, Luke Littler.
There was a lot of clamour mainly from the tabloid media and broadcasters surrounding a potential Luke Littler v Fallon Sherrock clash when the PDC World Darts Championship draw was made with Meikle somewhat disrespected in the process. Although his victory over the 'Queen of the Palace' was hardly a vintage performance, Meikle pinned a number of impressive ton-plus checkouts en route to the victory.
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“It was a massive battle. I felt quite good going into it but yeah, it just didn't quite happen at times so I’m very relieved to get through,” declared Meikle afterwards in his post-match press conference. "When it went 2-2, all I kept saying to myself is: 'I've been here before with Lisa Ashton, just do the same again.'"
"Fallon didn't play like she did a few years ago, and I was expecting the best version of her," adds Meikle, who averaged 83.53 compared to Sherrock's 81.81. "Obviously, I've been there before and I think that's probably what got me over the line."
As mentioned, the blockbuster second round tie against Luke Littler now awaits for Meikle. "I'm excited! Obviously, for weeks now, since the draw come out people keep saying: 'Oh you might play Luke Littler.' I'd say: 'I've got a tough first round game against Fallon'. So I must admit, I haven't really thought about it (facing Littler), but obviously, now I've won I'm excited. I'm looking forward to it," he previews. "I'm not going to sit here and say I'm going to win... he's unbelievable. But I've got a chance, I'm still in, so we never know - I am just going to play my own game."
Given his victory over Gary Anderson at the Players Championship Finals, Meikle has recent proof of his ability to compete against the very best too. "When I beat Gary, especially on TV, I think that was the confidence and belief I needed. Because, before I beat Gary, this year on the stage wasn't very good so that gave me the confidence going into tonight."