Luke Littler is the defending champion and favourite at the World Darts Championship, but Stephen Bunting insists no one is afraid of him on the oche.

The sport’s biggest event gets underway on Thursday night at Alexandra Palace, with Littler facing Darius Labanauskas in the opening session.

It has been a spectacular year for the Nuke, following up his win over Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 World Championship final in some style.

The 18-year-old added the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals to his already immense CV, while he also retained his Grand Slam title.

There is little doubt who is the premier force on the oche as the World Championship begins, but Bunting insists Littler does not instil fear into his opponents.

The world number four arr

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