Luke Littler beats Ryan Meikle in record-breaking fashion at Alexandra Palace

The teenager was a breath away from darting perfection

Luke Littler put on a show on his return to the Alexandra Palace stag. Pic: (Zac Goodwin/PA)

A tearful Luke Littler came within millimetres of opening his quest for a maiden World Championship crown with a nine-dart finish as he beat Ryan Meikle in record-breaking fashion.

The teenage sensation was back on the Alexandra Palace stage 12 months on from his remarkable debut run to the final and showed everyone why he is the favourite to win the title this year.