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Luke Littler Begins Title Defence as Expanded PDC World Championship Kicks Off at Ally Pally

The 128-player tournament at Alexandra Palace offers a record £5m purse with all top seeds starting in round one.

Overview

  • World No. 1 and reigning champion Luke Littler opens against Darius Labanauskas in the third match of tonight’s 7pm UK session, with some outlets listing an approximate start around 9pm.
  • Former world champion Michael Smith, seeded 28, faces Lisa Ashton on opening night after reporting improved fitness following recent cortisone treatment.
  • The event runs from December 11 to January 3 with £1m to the winner as part of a record £5m prize fund.
  • Sky Sports is broadcasting every session live in the UK, with streaming via Sky Go and NOW, while international streaming options include Peacock and PDC TV.
  • This year’s expansion moves the top 32 seeds into round one, and a deep field features contenders such as Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price.