LUKE LITTLER could have his bid for a second World Championship title derailed by Gerwyn Price, according to former darts pro Vincent van der Voort.
The sport’s biggest names are heading to London’s Alexandra Palace, with the tournament getting underway on Thursday.
And Littler, 18, will start his title defence with a clash against Lithuania’s Darius Labanauskas in the opening session.
Mario Vandenbogaerde or David Davies await in the second round, while there is set to be a showdown against Joe Cullen, Damon Heta or Rob Cross in the next phase of the World Championship.
Littler has been tipped to get through the early stages of the tournament with ease, having made history by becoming the youngest world No1 just 22 months after he turned professional.
But Van der Voort has warned that Littler’s hopes of getting his hands on the Sid Waddell Trophy again will come under threat when he is expected to take on Welsh star Price, 40, in the quarter-finals.
He told Darts News: “Price is incredibly consistent. If they both reach that stage, everything points toward Price pushing him.
“He doesn’t tend to lose to players below his level – but against Littler…
“If Littler plays like he has in recent months, he’ll just win again. But a Price–Littler quarter-final on New Year’s Day – that would be something special.”
Littler blew Michael van Gerwen away in the World Championship Final earlier this year.
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And the teenager has set his sights on more glory at the Ally Pally.
Van der Voort reckons Littler is in a strong position to win the tournament after being handed a favourable route to the final.
The Dutchman added: “He’s been incredibly fortunate with the draw. This section is full of players out of form.
“I think Luke’s main hope is simply to avoid Price in the quarter-finals -that’s the one he’ll be most aware of, if he’s looking at anyone at all.
“Right now, there’s no real measure for him. We’ll have to see who can actually push him. A surprise can always come from nowhere.”
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