UNDAUNTED, Ryan Meikle is determined to ELIMINATE Luke Littler from the World Darts Championship – and celebrate his win with a fresh haircut.

After his victory in the Crimpers Derby alongside fellow stylist Fallon Sherrock last Tuesday, the barber from Suffolk is now set to face the young sensation Littler on the winter solstice.

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At 28, Meikle isn’t a dedicated darts player and has spent the last decade working at Nicks Gent’s Hairdressing, located in the “quiet town” of Saxmundham, around 22 miles north of Ipswich.

With clippers in hand ahead of his second-round clash at Ally Pally, which is set for prime-time TV just before the Fury-Usyk heavyweight boxing match in Saudi Arabia, he prepares for a crucial moment in his career where every throw will be watched by millions.

Having trekked to North London on Friday night, Meikle expressed: “I’ve been busy working these past few weeks since the draw was made.

“I was at work last Monday morning, and all my clients asked, ‘What are you doing here? You’re playing Fallon tomorrow?’

“I said, ‘What else should I be doing? I’d just be stressing about it more.’ Working distracts me and I can earn some money.

“I also worked Thursday and Friday; I didn’t want to take the week off with Christmas approaching and the barbershop being so busy.

“Other players often joke with me, ‘Did you bring your clippers?’

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“I imagine Luke has a skilled barber on speed dial, likely ready for Saturday.”

The tournament favorite, 17-year-old Littler, returns to Ally Pally for the first time since his world final match against world No. 1 Luke Humphries 353 days ago.

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A year ago, while Littler was making his way to the final on his debut at just 16, Meikle was busy at his shop, experiencing “the most miserable Christmas ever” due to not qualifying.

The odds are stacked heavily in favor of Littler – especially after being named the runner-up for BBC Sports Personality of the Year – while Meikle aims to achieve enough this week to secure a 2025 Tour Card.

If the East Anglian star manages to pull off a stunning upset and knocks out the media darling, he might just receive the Alex Ferguson-style HAIRDRESSING treatment from PDC and Sky Sports executives!

Currently ranked No. 62 in the world, Meikle, who has a six-year-old son, has earned £15,000 thus far, stating: “Luke’s achievements in darts are phenomenal. I honestly can’t identify any flaws in his game.

“His accomplishments at such a young age are astounding. I respect him immensely.

“People I never thought would talk about darts have been doing so. I feel lucky to compete against him on Saturday.

“I’m a huge admirer of Luke. I can’t give him enough accolades. Some ask me, ‘Aren’t you tired of hearing about him?’ Absolutely not!

“The more he’s talked about, the more sponsors he attracts, which should hopefully increase earnings for everyone involved.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better combination in terms of social media – Luke and Fallon. I was everywhere.

List of all-time Darts World Champions

BELOW is a list of Darts world champions by year.

The list does not include champions from before the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO champions.

As a result, for example, Raymond van Barneveld is listed just once – even though he has four BDO titles – while none of Eric Bristow’s five BDO titles are included.

• 1994 – Dennis Priestley
• 1995 – Phil Taylor
• 1996 – Phil Taylor (2)
• 1997 – Phil Taylor (3)
• 1998 – Phil Taylor (4)
• 1999 – Phil Taylor (5)
• 2000 – Phil Taylor (6)
• 2001 – Phil Taylor (7)
• 2002 – Phil Taylor (8)
• 2003 – John Part
• 2004 – Phil Taylor (9)
• 2005 – Phil Taylor (10)
• 2006 – Phil Taylor (11)
• 2007 – Raymond van Barneveld
• 2008 – John Part (2)
• 2009 – Phil Taylor (12)
• 2010 – Phil Taylor (13)
• 2011 – Adrian Lewis
• 2012 – Adrian Lewis (2)
• 2013 – Phil Taylor (14)
• 2014 – Michael van Gerwen
• 2015 – Gary Anderson
• 2016 – Gary Anderson (2)
• 2017 – Michael van Gerwen (2)
• 2018 – Rob Cross
• 2019 – Michael van Gerwen (3)
• 2020 – Peter Wright
• 2021 – Gerwyn Price
• 2022 – Peter Wright (2)
• 2023 – Michael Smith
• 2024 – Luke Humphries

Most World Titles

• 14 – Phil Taylor
• 3 – Michael van Gerwen
• 2 – John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright
• 1 – Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries

“I’ve never felt this level of media attention before! It’s not about my identity but rather about who I could be up against.

“I’m becoming accustomed to it and am thankful for the opportunity. This exposure will definitely boost my profile.”

Meikle – who found confidence after eliminating Gary Anderson in the first round of last month’s Players Championship Finals in Minehead – isn’t exactly renowned for his quick play on the PDC circuit.

Still, he dismisses claims that he intentionally plays slowly to throw off his opponents – it’s simply how he plays.

The amateur talent stated: “I don’t want to be categorized as a slow player; I recognize that it’s a common topic.

“I’m not seeking to delay anyone or use tactics. My goal is to perform at my best.

“I wouldn’t claim to have a great shot this Saturday – realistically, I might not.

“But if I can show up and play well while he’s not at his best, I could have a chance. I just want to remain true to my game and see how it unfolds.

“There’s no pressure on me. I relish being here; it gives me goosebumps every single time.

“There’s undoubtedly immense pressure on him from the media and TV audiences.

“Hopefully, I can manage my nerves and deliver my best performance. The attention is heavily focused on Luke Littler in darts right now.”

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