Luke Littler admits his first concentrate on his second look on the Betfred World Matchplay will likely be to easily “win a game” after his first-round defeat to Michael van Gerwen on his debut final 12 months.
World champion Littler will purpose to make it second time fortunate on the Winter Gardens when the long-lasting match kicks off stay on Sky Sports activities on July 19 after shedding 10-6 to Van Gerwen in 2024.
Along with the world title he gained in January, the 18-year-old’s achievements already embody the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts and UK Open, however he says he will likely be targeted on only one goal initially in Blackpool.
“I want to pick up as many trophies as I can, but first of all, I want to win a game at the Winter Gardens,” Littler instructed Sky Sports activities.
“So, win that first game and then see how it goes from there”.
What occurred on Litter’s disappointing Matchplay debut?
The then-17-year-old’s first look on the Blackpool stage actually did not go to plan, though his round-one opponent was hardly the best.
It was a wierd match for probably the most half as Littler obtained the primary break to go 2-1 up with Van Gerwen seemingly in early bother.
Nonetheless, the Dutchman broke again instantly, then gained the subsequent three legs to guide 5-2.
Each gamers have been scoring closely, averaging round 110 in the course of the match, as they shared additional breaks at 6-4.
A 146 checkout from Van Gerwen to carry throw gave him an 8-5 benefit as a now wayward Littler could not break again and was damaged himself once more within the final leg.
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Luke Littler hit three tops to beat Jules van Dongen within the first spherical of the US Darts Masters. Photos courtesy of ITV Sport.
Assessing Littler’s efficiency, Sky Sports activities’ Wayne Mardle mentioned on the time: “Michael started OK, then went off the boil. Luke won the next two legs and was 2-1 up, then Van Gerwen was in a hole. He wasn’t playing well. Then it all changed.
“I do not know if Littler had as a lot focus as Michael. There was positively numerous nonchalance happening. There was a final dart he needed, he needed 74 and threw it at T18 whereas strolling. It was all too unfocused, uncaring. In fact he cares…
“I know he took out the 73 [at 8-6 down], but even that was a single 11, going for a treble and he got away with it.”
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