PDC World Championship 2024: Teenager Luke Littler beats Matt Campbell to reach last 16
- Published
Luke Littler is the youngest ever player to reach the World Championship last 16
Teenager Luke Littler's remarkable run at the PDC World Championship continued as he cruised into the last 16 with a comfortable 4-1 win over Matt Campbell.
The Warrington-born 16-year-old raced into a 2-0 lead without dropping a leg at London's Alexandra Palace.
He came from behind to claim the third set but missed a bullseye to win the match in the deciding leg of the fourth as Canada's Campbell hit back.
An impressive 164 checkout set Littler on his way to victory in the fifth.
Littler is the youngest ever player to reach the last 16 of the World Championship and will face either Jim Williams or former winner Raymond van Barneveld.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler said: "I just let my darts do the talking.
"As soon as I won that first game against Christian Kist [last week], I just settled. When I went 2-0 up, I tried to calm myself down and I kept my composure and got over the line."
The buzz continues to grow around the teenager, who said he had reminded himself of his journey so far at his first World Championship during the tournament's Christmas break.
"I have been watching my highlights every day," he added.
"Barney [Van Barneveld] has said nice words about me and Jimmy has beaten Peter Wright, so they are both in form, but I'll take whoever."
Later on Wednesday, three-time champion Michael van Gerwen beat fellow Dutchman Richard Veenstra in straight sets to also seal his place in the last 16.
Meanwhile, England's Michael Smith had to recover from a set down to overcome Latvia's Madars Razma 4-1 and maintain the defence of his title.
Wednesday 27 December - round three results
Scott Williams (Eng) 4-3 Martin Schindler (Ger)
Dave Chisnall (Eng) 4-1 Gabriel Clemens (Ger)
Rob Cross (Eng) 4-2 Jeffrey de Graaf (Swe)
Matt Campbell (Can) 1-4 Luke Littler (Eng)
Michael van Gerwen (Ned) 4-0 Richard Veenstra (Ned)
Michael Smith (Eng) 4-1 Madars Razma (Lat)