FANS are in for a festive treat on Saturday – with Luke Littler’s World Championship opener given a special slot at Ally Pally.
The 17-year-old darts sensation begins his title challenge in the capital against Ryan Meikle.
GettyLuke Littler returns to the Ally Pally on a packed Saturday night of action[/caption]
GettyThe darts star’s match will not clash with Tyson Fury’s showdown with Oleksandr Usyk[/caption]
ReutersThe Ukrainian won the first bout between the pair in May[/caption]
Littler burst onto the scene at last year’s tournament after reaching the final, losing to World No. 1 Luke Humphries.
He has since enjoyed a stunning rise, including winning the Premier League and pocketing over £1million in prize money across 2024.
Saturday’s showdown with Meikle has been slated as the third match of the evening session on the schedule.
The first dart will be thrown at 9.15pm – giving fans plenty of time to watch Littler in action before Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk go toe-to-toe in their heavyweight Riyadh dust-up.
Fury and Usyk are battling it out for the second time after the Ukrainian won a split-decision world title contest in May.
Ring walks in Saudi Arabia are expected around 10pm UK time on Saturday night.
Barring any setbacks to the schedule from the Palace, that should give fans plenty of time to watch both Littler’s match and the fight.
Littler is the overwhelming favourite to reach Round 3, despite Meikle being ranked as No. 62 in the world.
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The 28-year-old saw off Queen of the Palace Fallon Sherrock on Tuesday to set up a meeting with the Spoty runner-up.
A confident Meikle said: “I’m sure he’ll have a lot of pressure on him, obviously media-wise and the TV.
“I’m not looking to slow him down or do any sort of tactics.
“Hopefully I can just relax and play my best game.
“I don’t think he has any weaknesses, to be fair. I think he’s unbelievable.”
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READ MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…
All the info:
All the action as it happens in our LIVE BLOG
Everything you need to know about the Ally Pally extravaganza
How much prize money can be won?
What is the format for the tournament?
Are tickets still available and how much do they cost?
When is Littler playing?
Why isn’t Russ Bray refereeing?
Who are the Sky Sports presenters and pundits?
News, features and interviews:
Littler reveals tournament game plan
Michael Smith reveals retirement plans
Darts WAGs – from former walk-on girl to childhood sweetheart
Emma Paton reveals rise as Queen of Darts
‘There’s no bigger cheater’ – MVG hits out at former world champ
Luke Humphries’ stunning FOUR STONE weight loss
Mardle to take step back after tragic death of wife Donna
Fury meanwhile is promising a different Gypsy King when he steps into the ring on Saturday night.
The 36-year-old was rocked several times by the Ukrainian in their first meeting – but battled through to the final bell.
Fury told Sky Sports: “He threw his best shots. He had 10 shots on target, all on target, never dropped me.
“So if he couldn’t drop me when I was on Bambi legs, God be with him this time.
“I think he had his best shots to get me out of there and didn’t do it.
“He’s going to feel the wrath and the menace this time, I’ve got a point to prove.”
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