Overview
- The defending champion beat Darius Labanauskas 3-0, edging deciding legs in each of the first two sets before closing out the third 3-1.
- Littler hit 64% of his doubles and produced back-to-back ton-plus checkouts of 124 and 120 to seal the victory.
- He will face either Belgium’s Mario Vandenbogaerde or Wales’ David Davies in round two, after noting the first match is often the toughest.
- This year’s World Championship features an expanded 128-player field and a £1m winner’s prize, with reports citing a record £5m total purse.
- Organisers and broadcasters confirmed full live coverage on Sky Sports, as figures like Barry Hearn highlighted a deep field with potential for early-round upsets.