Darts
PDC World Darts Championship 2025: Ryan Meikle Spoils Sherrock Party to Set Up Luke Littler Clash
Ryan Meikle upset Fallon Sherrock 3-2 at Alexandra Palace, spoiling hopes of a Sherrock-Luke Littler clash. Meikle now faces Littler, praising the teen's talent and relishing the underdog role.
PDC / Taylor Lanning
Ryan Meikle stunned the Alexandra Palace crowd by defeating Fallon Sherrock 3-2 in a thrilling first-round clash at the PDC World Darts Championship.
His victory dashed hopes of a much-anticipated showdown between Sherrock, famously dubbed the "Queen of the Palace," and teenage sensation Luke Littler.
Meikle now faces the daunting task of taking on 17-year-old Littler in the second round this Saturday.
Despite his higher ranking, Meikle acknowledged the unique challenge of playing against Sherrock, whose presence brings significant media attention and added pressure.
“I wanted to upset everyone”
Speaking after the match, Meikle reflected on how Sherrock’s profile elevated the occasion.
“A hundred percent. I’ve seen it on Facebook and certain sports platforms, you know, everyone wanted a Littler, Fallon second round, which I can understand, I’m not stupid,” he told SportsBoom.com.
“But secretly it gives me more motivation because I know how big it would have been if she played Littler on Saturday.”
“For me, I kept thinking in my head, I’d like to think I’m slightly better, you know, I’ve been on tour for years.”
“I wanted to upset everyone, to be fair.”
Facing the Queen of the Palace
Despite being the higher-ranked player, many fans and punters cast Meikle as the underdog due to Sherrock’s status in the sport. However, he insisted he felt confident in his ability to prevail.
“No, not at all to be fair, I felt confident in myself. I knew I’ve been playing well for the last few months.”
“She’s obviously a massive name, and what she’s done for the ladies game is unbelievable.”
“It’s a massive name to beat, but you know, tour wise, average wise, I always felt like I was the better player, and I was the one that hit a few doubles and got through in the end.”
Luke Littler Up Next
Looking ahead to his next challenge, Meikle was full of admiration for Littler’s talent, stating that he sees the teenager as much more than just a rising star.
“I don’t look at it and think he’s 17-year-old. I just think how good he is, and I’ll probably admire him up there.”
In fact, Meikle even compared Littler to current world number one and defending champion Luke Humphries, who defeated Littler in last year’s world final.
“Him and Luke Humphries, I love. I know he [Humphries] probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves for being world champion, and I think he knows that, but I think they’re both on par.”
With no pressure on his shoulders, Meikle says he’ll approach Saturday’s match with a positive mindset, ready to give it his all.
“I’ve got to get myself ready, there’s no pressure on me. I’ll give it a good go and see what happens.”
For Meikle, Saturday’s clash offers an exciting opportunity to prove himself on the big stage while facing one of darts’ most promising young players.
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