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Luke Littler is more than ready to defend his world matchplay title after a 10-6 first-round win over Nico Springer and believes people shouldn’t be “grossed” by his and Luke Humphries’ dominance, but someone should stop them.
Littler is looking to become the first player in a decade to do back-to-back at Blackpool since Michael van Gerwen achieved the feat in 2016.
He began that effort in stunning fashion against Springer, averaging 109 in the match and over 123 in the last six legs.
Humphries opens his tournament against Cameron Menzies on Monday, live on Sky Sports From 7pm, he will look to add a second matchplay win after his 2024 win.
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Luke Littler hits a nine-darter in the 2025 World Matchplay.
The world No. 1 and No. 2 are, of course, favorites to meet in another final. They have met on multiple big stages throughout 2026, including the Premier League, where the ‘Cool Hand’ have won four of their last five meetings.
For Littler, it’s up to the other contestants to make another final stop in one of the two looks.
“I think that’s one of those things. You just have to keep going,” Littler said.
“Obviously, Luke (Humphries) is in form. I’m in form. If we meet again in the final, so be it.
“Everyone can cry but if no one can stop us, we’re going to meet in the final.”
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Take a look as Nathan Aspinall checkouts a brilliant 167 on his way to victory vs. Joe Cullen at World Matchplay!
Next up for Littler is a second round meeting with Nathan Aspinall, who was in form in a 10-5 win over Joe Cullen.
Littler: Matchplay decides the rest of 2026
Whether Littler defends his matchplay title has a huge bearing on how the rest of 2026 unfolds.
Ahead of his match on Saturday, Littler confirmed that only a win at the Winter Garden would see him go on to the Pro Tour to try to book a place in the Players Championship final.
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Speaking ahead of his clash against Nico Springer, Luke Little admitted the World Matchplay format ‘played into his hands’.
If he can’t defend his win, he won’t defend his minehead victory.
“It’s a trophy (matchplay) that I really wanted because I didn’t have it. I’m the defending champion but I’m not defending a penny,” he said. Sky Sports.
“It’s a free hit and a back-to-back. The tournament is up there with one of the best.
“The next nine days will decide whether I go to the final of the Players Championship.
“If I don’t win it I won’t go back to Minehead for the finals of the Players Championship. If I win it I’ll have to go to some pro tours and try to get there.”
When is World Matchplay Live on Sky Sports?
World Matchplay begins on Saturday, July 18 and ends on Sunday, July 26.
All nine days of the program will be shown Live on Sky Sportswith opening day coverage on Sky Sports+ at 7pm Didn’t get the sky? Get instant access now
