Luke Littler hopes to go all the way at the World Darts Championship this year(Image: PA)

What channel is Luke Littler on at the World Darts Championship? TV, streaming and start time

by · Wales Online

After much anticipation and hype, Luke Littler is set to return to the Ally Pally stage.

Now a household name, expectations are soaring for the 17-year-old darts sensation a year after his breakthrough. Littler will begin his World Darts Championship campaign against Ryan Meikle, having received a bye into the second round.

'The Nuke' has already bagged the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year award. But there's one trophy he's got his eye on this festive season - the Sid Waddell Trophy.

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After narrowly missing out in last year's final against Luke Humphries, Littler is hoping this will be his year as he continues to make his mark as a leading figure in the sport. Here's everything you need to know ahead of his opening match tonight (December 21).

When is Luke Littler playing?

Littler's match is the third game in tonight's session of second-round matches. Earlier in the session, fans can catch Raymond van Barneveld in action against Nick Kenny, while Damon Heta vs Connor Scutt is the headline act.

Littler is expected to take to the stage at 9:10pm. However, if earlier matches run over, the start time may be delayed.

Littler has been all but unstoppable since making his pro darts debut(Image: Getty Images)

Who is Luke Littler playing?

Littler's opponent, Meikle, has already defeated one big name in Fallon Sherrock. The 28-year-old triumphed over 'The Queen of the Palace' 3-2 on Tuesday.

Born in Ipswich, Meikle has earned the nickname 'The Barber' due to his part-time job. This marks his fifth World Championship appearance, having never advanced beyond the second round before.

What channel is showing the World Darts Championship?

You'll need a Sky Sports subscription to watch Littler in action. The event will be aired on both their Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Darts channels.

Ryan Meikle beat Fallon Sherrock to progress(Image: Getty Images)

How can I stream the World Darts Championship?

If you're out and about or don't want to commit to a long-term subscription, you can stream the match on NOW TV with a Sky Sports pass, giving you full access to all the Ally Pally drama for £34.99 per month. Sky customers can also tune in via the Sky Go app.

What are Luke Littler's odds?

Bookies have pegged 'The Nuke' as the favourite to clinch the tournament. He's around 2/1 on most sites, followed by his foe from last year Luke Humphries (3/1), Gary Anderson (8/1) and Michael van Gerwen (10/1).

Therefore, it's no shock that Littler is a short 1/25 to defeat Meikle, who would cause one of the biggest upsets in darts history if he manages to knock out his superstar opponent. You can back the underdog at roughly 9/1.

Littler was beat by Luke Humphries in last year's final(Image: Getty Images)

What has Luke Littler said ahead of the World Championships?

Ahead of the World Championships, Littler has kept his feet firmly on the ground, handling the pressure with ease. The young star plans to adopt a pragmatic approach and hopes to grow into the tournament, just as he did last year.

He told Sky Sports: "You've always got to be on your A-game, but obviously as the game goes on, you know that if they're playing well, you've got to step up and compete against them.

"We'll just see how it goes. Obviously, you can only beat what's in front of you, so you've just got to look at your next opponent in the Worlds."

What has Ryan Meikle said about facing Luke Littler?

Littler has enjoyed a stunning first year on the PDC circuit(Image: Getty Images)

Meikle, speaking after his victory over Sherrock, indicated a brief return to routine before his next face-off. "I'm actually going home tomorrow and working for two days," he said,

"I'll head back up on Friday afternoon and try to keep my mind off it, not putting too much pressure on myself, and just get ready for Saturday. I'm excited and I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm not going to say I'm going to win, he's unbelievable, but I've got a chance. I love coming here; it gives me goosebumps every time I come. I can turn up on Saturday, and there will be no pressure on me.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of pressure on him. I can hopefully relax and play my best game."