Luke Littler has emerged as the clear odds-on favourite to retain the Paddy Power World Darts Championship title following the completion of the opening two rounds at Alexandra Palace.

The reigning champion has safely negotiated his opening tests, defeating Darius Labanauskas and David Davies to book his place in the last 32. The 18-year-old now faces Austrian veteran Mensur Suljovic in round three, and his dominant start has seen his odds slashed from a pre-tournament 11/10 to just 4/6 to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy on January 3.

World number two Luke Humphries is positioned as Littler’s closest challenger at 9/2, with European Champion Gian van Veen next in the betting at 15/2. Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen is priced at 14/1 to claim a fourth crown, while Josh Rock (18/1), Stephen Bunting (28/1), and two-time champion Gary Anderson (33/1) round out the leading contenders.

With the tournament now moving into round three, attention turns to a packed post-Christmas schedule at Alexandra Palace. The action resumes on Saturday December 27, with Littler’s clash against Suljovic headlining the evening session. Other notable ties include Luke Humphries against Gabriel Clemens, Michael van Gerwen facing debutant Arno Merk, and Gian van Veen taking on Madars Razma.

The third round will conclude across December 27–29, before round four begins on December 30. Quarter-finals are scheduled for January 1, followed by the semi-finals on January 2 and the final on Saturday January 3.

The £5 million tournament continues to captivate as the sport’s biggest names battle for supremacy, with Littler now firmly installed as the man to beat.

Source: PDC.TV