If a participant hit a nine-darter on the World Matchplay stage, that may often go down as their spotlight. That’s simply the tip of the iceberg for Luke Littler in 2026.
Littler got here into Blackpool because the reigning and defending champion with the expectations on his shoulders to ship.
He has after which some. The numbers are jaw-dropping:
- 113 common in first spherical (second-highest at Matchplay behind Phil Taylor’s 114.99 in 2010)
- 109 common in second spherical and quarter-finals
- 9-darter vs Nathan Aspinall
- 17 180s vs Josh Rock
- 14 180s vs Nathan Aspinall
If his heights weren’t already incomprehensible, they’ve gone up a notch.
Not solely that, Littler is aware of he can dominate.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Littler admits he is taking part in a few of the greatest darts of his profession after a dominant win over Rock
“I feel really good up on the stage. Preparations beforehand have gone really well, just relaxing, playing and relaxing again. I am just glad I can perform on the biggest stages,” Littler mentioned.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights of the thrilling second-round match between Littler and Nathan Aspinall
“I really feel like I can. Clearly a 109 common, a 113 and again all the way down to a 109 common comes with the large finishes. The scoring energy is there as nicely.
“As long as I can keep it up, I’m sure I will dominate. Next game, let’s get it back up to the 113s.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Littler produced an unbelievable nine-darter within the opening leg of his match with Aspinall
That subsequent recreation will see Dirk van Duijvenbode turn out to be the subsequent participant charged with making an attempt to cease Littler in his tracks.
Up so far, Littler’s win over Rock marked the twenty seventh time in a row he received a match that went over 20 legs.
Not solely that, Littler continues his quest to turn out to be the primary participant since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to go back-to-back in Blackpool, and the world No 1 presently holds the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League and Masters. He’s additionally defending the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix and the Gamers Championship Finals.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Aspinall provides up his darts to the group after Littler nearly hits his second nine-darter of the match
With all of the in thoughts, Sky Sports activities Darts’ Mark Webster has a easy message for the Dutchman when he takes on the perfect participant on this planet on Saturday, reside on Sky Sports activities: “Good luck.”
“He can play in spells. I say spells because he’s been doing it all tournament. I was delighted for Josh because it was an improved performance and a 101 average but he lost by nine legs so it just shows how good Littler is,” Webster mentioned.
“He looks comfortable in every scenario. Good luck to Dirk on Saturday.
“It is 111 match common. He is performed nearly 60 legs. He is simply too good! He is centered and relaxed.
“He’s by far the best player in the world. It’s frightening form.”
Littler is producing some gorgeous stats on the World Matchplay
What is occurring on Friday on the World Matchplay Darts?
The quarter-finals proceed, reside from 7.30pm on Sky Sports activities Foremost Occasion and Motion.
Gian van Veen and James Wade will do battle within the quarter-finals for a second yr in a row, with the world No 3 trying to avenge his loss to ‘The Machine’ in 2025.
Then, Gerwyn Worth faces Ross Smith. Smith went by way of to the quarter-finals after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second-round match within the fourth leg on account of sickness.
Who will win this yr’s World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler is be defending his title and you may watch all of the motion on Sky Sports activities. Stream darts and extra prime sport with NOW.
