Great question, Martin.

The benchmark for a great performance is generally considered to be a three-dart average of 100. While it will take a bit of time for us to look up specific statistics, it definitely feels like the frequency with which Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and the modern-day elite hit averages of more than 100 is definitely greater than any other era.

I think the main difference now is the depth of talent in the sport - for example, Phil Taylor was certainly able to do it regularly during his dominant years, but very few others could do so consistently.

Nowadays, several top players are consistently bashing in 100-plus averages.

Might be one for us to look at in a bit more detail later in the tournament...

A strange first set in which Madars Razma was far and away the better player against a very nervous Jamai van den Herik.

The Latvian wins through in the end but was still pushed all the way in the deciding leg.

Razma is averaging 99.85 to Van den Herik's 78.58 but the latter snatched his chances to win a couple of legs.

The debutant will need to up it in the second set, though.

BBC Radio 5 Live

You can listen back to BBC Radio 5 Live's PDC World Championship preview, which was broadcast live earlier tonight, on BBC Sounds.

A couple of people have got in touch to ask about live radio commentary - unfortunately we do not have broadcast rights for live TV or radio coverage, but BBC Radio 5 Live will provide regular reports on the action and interviews with players throughout the event.

On the website and app, we'll have daily round-ups and also live text coverage of the biggest matches as the tournament progresses.

One more match to bring you on opening night as Latvia's Madars Razma and takes on Dutch debutant Jamai van den Herik.

It'll be Razma to throw first...

Matthew Edgar
Former PDC professional, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live

I don't think Luke has had time to process anything [during his rapid rise in the past two years]. It's been a whirlwind and he doesn't really have time to reflect.

By him being so busy, it's actually an asset. He talks about doing all these different things and that's probably a good thing, because you don't have that time to sit back and go: "What's happened to me here?"

It probably feels so normal that he's not quite aware of what he's achieved.

BBC iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

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Let's have a quick look at the stats at the end of that match.

Luke Littler finishes with an average of 101.54, Darius Labanauskas wasn't too far behind on 95.25.

The Nuke had seven 180s to his opponent's three but it was Littler's finishing that was most impressive.

He was 64.3% on the outer ring. If he keeps that up then it is hard to see anyone stopping him.

Luke Littler, speaking to Sky Sports: "Definitely wasn't easy. Looking at the stats, it didn't feel like that but happy with the win.

"There's a bit of nerves but once you get up here, win a leg, then win the set, it settles you dart.

"As long as you win the sets, that's all that matters.

"I think everyone in the tournament just wants to get the first round done, it's definitely the hardest round.

"Back for a third time, first game done and now I get 10 days off."

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Littler will know he was in a game, but he'll also know he handled it very well.

The defending champion races into the second round!

Just about the perfect evening for Luke Littler as he is pushed just enough to count this as a real test but still comes through without dropping a set.

Darius Labanauskas gave it his all but Littler was just too good. He usually is.

Luke Littler is almost there after back-to-back ton-plus finishes!

It's the old Shanghai finish - 120 taken out with a single, treble and double 20.

Fantastic stuff and he's on the brink of booking his place in the second round.

Image source, Getty Images

Brilliant from The Nuke!

He responds to Darius Labanauskas' 11-darter with a 12-darter.

Any hopes of Labanauskas stealing a break are snuffed out with a superb 124 checkout, finishing on the bull!

Strong start to the third set from Darius Labanauskas.

He has the luxury of a rare comfortable hold against Luke Littler.

The world champion is not even down to a finish as Labanauskas hits double 16 for an 11-darter.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

It's 6-4 to Littler in legs, which is still a decent performance against the world number one by Darius. He just hasn't been able to get that important set won yet.

The numbers are still impressive for both players.

Luke Littler's average has dipped slightly to 102.38 while Darius Labanauskas is holding firm around 95.

It's 5-2 in Littler's favour on 180s, while his 54.5% on the doubles is up on a very respectable 44.4% from his Lithuanian opponent.

Image source, PA Media

A fourth 180 in as many legs helps Luke Littler on his way to a set-sealing hold.

The defending champion is well on his way to victory in his the first game of his title defence.

Double 10 again to wrap up a 14-darter.

Dan Dawson
Commentator on Sky Sports

Rock solid stuff from Darius Labanauskas. In terms of numbers, it's as good as we've seen from Labanauskas on this stage.

Darius Labanauskas might well come up short eventually but he's doing all he can to keep Luke Littler on his toes.

Double 16 for the 49-year-old secures the hold.

But Littler has the darts with a chance to go two sets up.