Champion Littler Starts Worlds Against Labanauskas

Luke Littler will statesman nan defence of his PDC world title against Darius Labanauskas.

The English world number 1 faces nan Lithuanian, who was a quarter-finalist successful 2020, successful nan first information astatine London's Alexandra Palace.

Second seed Luke Humphries, who hit Littler successful nan 2024 final, takes connected 2021 world younker champion Ted Evetts.

Three-time women's world champion Beau Greaves has been drawn to look 22nd seed Daryl Gurney successful nan expanded 128-player tourney which originates connected 11 December astatine London's Alexandra Palace.

All 5 players from nan Women's World Series look reliable opponents, pinch Women's World Matchplay champion Lisa Ashton up against nan 2023 PDC world champion Michael Smith.

Fallon Sherrock, nan only female to person won matches astatine nan Ally Pally tourney – erstwhile sealing 2 victories successful 2019 - faces 21st seed Dave Chisnall.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who made history arsenic nan first transgender subordinate successful nan tourney past year, will play two-time victor Peter Wright, while Gemma Hayter faces 11th seed Josh Rock.

Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen meets MitsuhikoTatsunami.

More to follow.