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Luke Littler averaged over 109 to begin his World Matchplay defense in sympathetic fashion on Saturday.
Debutant Nico Springer held the world number one to level the game at 5-5 in the second break before ‘The Nuke’ hit a purple patch to break the German.
The defending champion turned on the turbo – winning five of the next six legs – and averaged 109.53 to send a warning to the rest of the Blackpool field.
Littler averaged over 123 heading into the second round at Winter Garden.
“It felt good. It felt great,” said the 19-year-old from Warrington. “The first five legs were fine and then when I came back from the break I felt really good.
“It was a bit frustrating not going into the second break with the lead. Nico did his part but I found another gear and finished it.”
He added: “I was playing some really good stuff. From leg 11 I averaged 120 which shows how well I’m playing. If I get better I’ll be happier.”
Littler vs. Springer: The Story of the Tape
Littler will take Nathan Aspinall Debuted his new shirt in style with a 10-5 win over ‘The ASP’ Joe Cullen in the second round.
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Take a look as Nathan Aspinall checkouts a brilliant 167 en route to victory over Joe Cullen
Aspinall shot a 105.32 average to overtake his good friend Cullen as the pair fired an incredible 16 in 180s between them and took a massive 167 checkout en route to the Stockport Test.
“I haven’t played that much,” said Aspinall. “I didn’t get into the Premier League, the World Series, but I didn’t really focus on darts.
“I didn’t expect to play like this but I’m very happy with my performance. When I showed up today, I knew I had put in the hours.
“I am very happy with the way I played, how I finished, how I conducted myself on stage.
“I’ve got a pretty easy game next so I think I’ll be fine.”
Bunting survives a huge scare
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Watch Stephen Bunting and Nils Jonveld trade during Round One thriller at World Matchplay with impressive checkout
Stephen Bunting A marathon last-leg decider defied a stirring comeback from Nils Zonneveld to beat the Dutchman.
Despite leading 8-5 and looking comfortable, Bunting was forced to hold on to match darts before finally getting over the line.
Triple Z missed three match darts to stun ‘The Bullet’ before bunting for an incredible 118 checkout.
The former Lakeside winner forced the decision and broke the throw to tie the second round Josh Rock.
Josh Rock took advantage of 20 missed darts from Luke Woodhouse in the doubles
The Rock made a winning start for the second year running at Blackpool, beating Luke Woodhouse 10-4 Despite a sub-91 average, Luke Woodhouse took the most wins in missed doubles.
The Northern Irishman sent an outstanding ‘Woody’ who missed 20 darts in the doubles during the competition.
“Both of us weren’t firing on all cylinders but at the same time I’m very happy to win,” said the 25-year-old.
“It’s one of my favorite venues. There was more in the tank tonight but it just didn’t happen.”
After reaching the semi-finals last year, Rock added: “I’m not here for the memories, I’m here to try to win this trophy more than anyone else.”
What’s happening in Sunday’s World Matchplay?
Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen headline the world matchplay action on Sunday
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will continue at the iconic Winter Garden from 18-26 July, with a 32-player field competing for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
Three-time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen will take center stage in Sunday afternoon’s session, as he takes on two-time quarter-finalist Andrew Gilding in his opener.
Gary Anderson – the 2018 champion – returns to his Winter Garden against Ryan Joyce, 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton faces Damon Hatter, while Chris Dobey and Dirk van Duyvenbode also lock horns.
World No 3 Gian van Veen faces newly-crowned European Darts Open champion Krzysztof Ratajski in Sunday’s evening session, while 2007 champion James Wade – last year’s runner-up – clashes with Jermaine Watimena.
Wessel Nijmann – winner of eight PDC ProTour titles in 2026 – plays five-time World Matchplay quarter-finalist Dave Chisnall, as World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle meets Blackpool debutant William O’Connor.
Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will defend his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more great games now.
