Littler Dominates the Field as Alexandra Palace Return Looms in Form Guide
As the Paddy Power World Darts Championship approaches, the spotlight is on top-ranked player Luke Littler. The 17-year-old phenom has dominated recent rankings, particularly with his performance in November, where he secured back-to-back televised titles, solidifying his position as the world number one.
Littler’s Unmatched Performance
Luke Littler sets remarkable standards across various metrics. He leads in multiple categories:
- Average Score: Highest overall average in the last 200 legs.
- OChE (Ordinal Checkout Efficiency): 73% success rate in legs against ProTour opponents.
- Doubles Success: 47% accuracy while finishing.
- Maximum Scores: 46 180s per 100 legs played.
These figures reflect Littler’s incredible scoring ability and effectiveness, presenting a significant challenge for any potential challengers. His average of winning 68% of his legs in 15 darts or fewer heightens this threat.
Challengers on the Horizon
Despite Littler’s formidable form, Gian van Veen has emerged as a potential rival. The Dutch player has achieved a rare winning record against Littler, having won three out of their five encounters in 2025. Van Veen is also one of three players maintaining a 100 average over the last 200 legs, ranking third in doubles accuracy.
Other Competitors
Nathan Aspinall has made a notable resurgence. After reaching the final of the Player Championship Finals, he reclaimed a spot in the top 16 of the world rankings. His average of 97 still trails Littler but places him competitively among the year’s leading players.
Gerwyn Price is another significant competitor. Currently standing third in OChE ratings, Price has reached four quarter-finals in recent events. He is positioned well to challenge for a second world title, although he will need to overcome both Littler and Humphries to do so.
Statistics and Rankings
| Player | OChE Rating | Averages (Last 200 Legs) | Doubles Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Littler | Highest in Form Guide | Top average | 47% |
| Gian van Veen | Third | 100 average | Ranked third |
| Nathan Aspinall | Sixth-best | 97 average | Not specified |
| Gerwyn Price | Third | Consistent | 23% on three-figure checkouts |
As the championship season unfolds, the pressure mounts on Littler to maintain his dominant form. His key competitors will look to exploit any slip-ups, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament at Alexandra Palace.
