If a player hit a nine-darter on the World Matchplay stage, that would usually go down as their highlight. That is just the tip of the iceberg for Luke Littler in 2026.
Littler came into Blackpool as the reigning and defending champion with the expectations on his shoulders to deliver.
He has and then some. The numbers are jaw-dropping:
- 113 average in first round (second-highest at Matchplay behind Phil Taylor’s 114.99 in 2010)
- 109 average in second round and quarter-finals
- Nine-darter vs Nathan Aspinall
- 17 180s vs Josh Rock
- 14 180s vs Nathan Aspinall
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Highlights of the quarter-final between Luke Littler and Josh Rock
If his heights were not already incomprehensible, they have gone up a notch.
Not only that, Littler knows he can dominate.
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Littler admits he’s playing some of the best darts of his career 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 said.
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Highlights of the thrilling second-round match between Littler and Nathan Aspinall
“I feel like I can. Obviously a 109 average, a 113 and back down to a 109 average comes with the big finishes. The scoring power is there as well.
“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.”
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Littler produced an incredible nine-darter in the opening leg of his match with Aspinall
That next game will see Dirk van Duijvenbode become the next player charged with attempting to stop Littler in his tracks.
Up to this point, Littler’s win over Rock marked the 27th time in a row he won a match that went over 20 legs.
Not only that, Littler continues his quest to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to go back-to-back in Blackpool, and the world No 1 currently holds the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League and Masters. He is also defending the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix and the Players Championship Finals.
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Aspinall offers up his darts to the crowd after Littler almost hits his second nine-darter of the match
With all the in mind, Sky Sports Darts’ Mark Webster has a simple message for the Dutchman when he takes on the best player in the world on Saturday, live on Sky Sports: “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 said.
“He looks comfortable in every scenario. Good luck to Dirk on Saturday.
“It’s 111 tournament average. He’s played almost 60 legs. He’s just too good! He’s focused and relaxed.
“He’s by far the best player in the world. It’s frightening form.”
Littler is producing some stunning stats at the World Matchplay
What is happening on Friday at the World Matchplay Darts?
The quarter-finals continue, live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action.
Gian van Veen and James Wade will do battle in the quarter-finals for a second year in a row, with the world No 3 looking to avenge his loss to ‘The Machine’ in 2025.
Then, Gerwyn Price faces Ross Smith. Smith went through to the quarter-finals after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second-round match in the fourth leg due to illness.
Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler is be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
