In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, the PDC World Darts Championship continued to deliver shocks and stellar performances on a thrilling Saturday evening. Defending champion and world number one Luke Littler cruised into the fourth round with a commanding display, while fourth seed Stephen Bunting suffered a heartbreaking exit, setting the stage for some light-hearted banter from the teenage sensation.
Littler, still riding the wave of his historic title win last year, faced veteran Mensur Suljovic in the headline match of the evening session. The 18-year-old from Warrington showed no signs of pressure as the reigning champion, dismantling his Austrian opponent in a ruthless 4-0 whitewash. Littler barely broke a sweat, firing in nine maximum 180s and posting an astonishing average of 107.09 – his highest yet at this tournament. Suljovic, known for his deliberate pacing that had frustrated opponents earlier, found himself overwhelmed from the outset. He didn’t even get a dart at a double until deep into the match, as Littler broke throw repeatedly and sealed sets with clinical precision, including a standout 124 checkout.
The teenager’s performance was a statement of intent. Having yet to drop a single set in the tournament, Littler is on a mission to become the first player since Gary Anderson in 2015-2016 to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy. Reflecting on his effortless win, he noted the lack of nerves: “Tonight felt like a free hit, I had no nerves whatsoever and I let my darts do the talking.” He emphasized the difference this year brings as the top seed and defending champion, but his focus remains sharp. “People can say whoever plays Littler next will lose, but this is darts, anyone can win or lose. I just have to show up for my next game and hopefully put in another performance like that.”
Earlier in the session, the crowd at Ally Pally was treated to high drama as fan favorite Stephen Bunting, dubbed “The Bullet,” crashed out in a gripping seven-set thriller against unseeded Englishman James Hurrell. Bunting, the world number four and a semi-finalist in previous years, entered as a strong contender but struggled to find his rhythm. Averaging just over 91, he was outplayed by Hurrell’s consistent scoring and higher checkout success rate. The match swung back and forth, with Bunting fighting valiantly but ultimately falling 4-3. It marked the biggest upset of the tournament so far, as Bunting became the highest-seeded player to bow out.
Both players are renowned for their passionate followings, often credited with boosting darts’ popularity through their engaging personalities and strong supporter bases. Bunting, in particular, has embraced his role as a crowd pleaser, with chants echoing around the venue. However, in his post-match press conference, Littler couldn’t resist a playful poke when discussing the surge in darts’ appeal and the so-called “Littler effect.”
Grinning as he addressed reporters, the young star quipped: “The Luke Littler effect is still going strong in this tournament. I don’t think the Bunting effect is going too well this tournament.” He quickly followed up with, “I had to say that, sorry,” acknowledging the tongue-in-cheek nature of the remark while adding, “So, yeah, maybe I’ve got the biggest fanbase.”
The comment drew laughs and highlighted the friendly rivalry between the two, who share mutual respect despite competing fiercely. Littler’s dominance has undeniably drawn massive attention to the sport, with packed crowds and soaring viewership numbers often attributed to his meteoric rise. At just 18, he’s already a global phenomenon, blending extraordinary talent with a relatable, cheeky persona that endears him to fans.
Looking ahead, Littler advances to the last 16, where he’ll face the winner of the tie between Damon Heta and 2018 champion Rob Cross. With his form peaking at the perfect time, the Nuke issued a subtle warning to the field: “Probably 80 to 90 per cent of the time I won’t come back here and hit 107 average because it’s darts. We don’t always play this way… sometimes it’s just about getting the job done. I think it is a statement.” He added confidently, “I can only get better.”
As the tournament progresses into its later stages, upsets like Bunting’s serve as a reminder that darts remains unpredictable. Yet Littler’s unflappable performances suggest he’s handling the weight of expectation masterfully. The road to a second world title is still long, but on this evidence, the teenager is thriving under the spotlight, blending ruthless precision on the oche with a dash of humor off it.
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