Luke Littler begins his World Darts Championship campaign against Ryan Meikle on Saturday, December 21. and Meikle’s practice partner Keith Deller has weighed in on chances against The Nuke.
Luke Littler is looking to go one better than his final appearance in the 2024 World Darts Championship and he heads into his first match of the tournament as the bookies favourite.
Keith Deller, who trained with Ryan Meikle as he prepared for the World Seniors Dart Championship, has revealed whether the Ipswich ace can cause the 17-year-old problems in their second-round clash.
- READ MORE: Keith Deller names the two players he thinks will meet in the 2025 World Darts Championship final
Keith Deller backs comfortable Luke Littler win
The 1983 World Darts Champion is well-versed with Meikle’s slow style of play and even revealed a top star struggled to play the Ipswich star.
Talking exclusively to The Darts Insider ahead of the new Sky documentary Darts Kings, Deller said: “I always remember Ryan Meikle told me that he played James Wade in a floor tournament, and James Wade said to him ‘you’re so boring to play against’. That’s typical Wadey that is!”
As for Meikle’s chances against Littler, the darts icon doesn’t hold out much hope for a chance of a giant-killing in round two.
He said: “He’s a really nice lad. 83 average and 81 for Fallon isn’t great. He has Littler next, without being horrible I don’t think it will be close.
“I think Littler will do a big number on Ryan. I think this will be a hurdle too far.”
Littler plays Meikle in the final match of the evening session on December 21 at Alexandra Palace.
Ryan Meikle believes he has ‘a chance’ against Luke Littler
Despite not being given a chance by his practice partner Deller, Meikle heads into his match with The Nuke with hope of beating the teenage star.
Talking to BBC Radio Suffolk, Meikle said: “I’m excited. I’m looking at it as a positive thing. The chance to play the boy who everyone’s talking about”
“I’m not going to sit here and say yeah I can win – obviously I’ve got a chance – but I’m excited and looking forward to it.”
Meikle defeated overwhelming crowd favourite Fallon Sherrock in his opening round match and will upset the crowd again should he defeat Littler.
Watch Dart Kings from 4th Jan on Sky Documentaries and NOW