Luke Littler vs Ian White – World Darts Championship: Live score and set-by-set updates as the teenage sensation edges out a closely-fought first set against the world No 57

Littler has finally found his groove now but White is determined to push him along the way.

The teenager needs double tops to settle the second set but can’t find them.

White finds his mark and we are all equal after two sets!

Littler breaks up the shot with a solid performance as he starts to build some momentum.

Littler starts at maximum but still averages below 90 for the match.

Meanwhile, Ian White has already started to build momentum as he takes the leg and is now in a position to level the match.

After a short break in the action, we returned to Alexandra Palace.

We started with Ian White looking confident despite losing the first set going into the first leg of the second set.

Before his grand entrance, Littler was standing near me on the side of the stage, singing along to his opponent’s music.

Signs indicate that he is not feeling the pressure he was in his last match.

No prizes for guessing who Ally Pally wants to see win. Everyone here sings “There’s only one Luke Littler.”

Littler has clearly shaken off some cobwebs during the start, the question is can Ian White capitalize on this opening set?

White needs 161 but can’t find it and Littler leaves 52 for the opening set.

And he takes it! After a shaky start, Littler is way off the mark at Alexandra Palace.

Ian White’s powerful start drew the crowd to his side, and Littler joined in their cheers with a simple dance on stage.

The 17-year-old follows that up with his first maximum to put himself within striking distance.

Littler’s doubles are not up to the high standards yet, but he found what he needed to level the opening set.

Letellier hasn’t shown his best football early in his arrival here and White is punishing him for it.

The 54-year-old prepares himself to go out but cannot find the bull.

Letelier can’t either, and White once again fails to find his mark. This is not the standard we are used to seeing.

White finally found a double to take the lead.

We have the first maximum of the match and it goes to Ian White.

Littler is yet to find his groove here and White has a golden opportunity to get himself back up to speed.

And he takes it! The double peaks put it level within two feet.

The voice challenges Ally Pally as the phrase “There’s only one Luke Littler” is belted out in unison but White hopes he can silence the pro-Little faithful.

Littler had us start with 92 and then follow that up with a big number.

The favorite misses his first chance to score a double, but White is unable to capitalize on it and Littler gets it in his second attempt to enter the first leg.

Pitbull’s green light blasts through the speakers as the crowd descends into chaos upon Luke Littler’s arrival.

The song was featured as the official theme for WrestleMania 33 so it’s a fitting choice for discerning WWE fans aiming to put on a show worthy of the main event here tonight.

Just twelve months after his stunning run to the final on this stage, Luke Littler returns to action this evening as he looks to continue his achievement in 2024.

While the teenager still faces big tests, including the man he faces tonight, it’s hard to argue that he’s not the face of the sport at this stage.

Fans have had their hands full for Ally Pally and will be hoping Littler is at the level he showed against Ryan Meikle last week.

It’s not often that an athlete claims to have faced his opponent’s grandfather, but such was the case with Ian White ahead of his encounter with Luke Littler.

Littler, 17, booked his place in the third round of the World Darts Championship with a win over Ryan Mikel last Sunday – averaging an impressive 140.91 in the final group to win.

In doing so, he set up a showdown with Whyte – who beat European champion Richie Edhouse in the second round – which will take place on Saturday evening.

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Luke Littler’s return is now just minutes away, so let’s take a look at what just happened on stage, shall we?

Michael van Gerwen has been far from his best this year, faltering at times in his clash with Brendan Dolan.

In the end though the three-time world champion got it done when it mattered and booked his place in the last 16 following the Northern Irishman’s comeback.

And welcome to Mail Sport’s coverage of Luke Littler’s third round clash with Ian White in the World Darts Championship.

In his opening match last weekend, Littler showed that he deserves his spot on the betting favorites list, posting a record-breaking average in the final set of his win over Ryan Mikel.

Tonight, The Nuke will look to book their place in the last 16 when they take on White, a darts veteran who previously played against Littler’s grandfather.

Stay tuned and follow along as we bring you all the news and updates on what promises to be an exciting showdown at Alexandra Palace.