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If a player hits a nine-darter on the World Matchplay stage, it usually becomes their highlight. This is the tip of the iceberg for Luke Littler in 2026.
Littler came to Blackpool with the expectation of delivering on his shoulders as the reigning and defending champions.
He has and then some. The numbers are jaw-dropping:
- 113 average in first round (second-highest in matchplay behind Phil Taylor’s 114.99 in 2010)
- 109 average in second round and quarter finals
- Nine-Darter v. Nathan Aspinall
- 17 180 vs. Josh Rock
- 14 180 v. Nathan Aspinall
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Highlights of the quarter final between Luke Littler and Josh Rock
If his height wasn’t already incomprehensible, they’ve gone up a notch.
Not only that, but Littler knows he can dominate.
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Littler admitted he was playing some of the best darts of his career after his dominant win over the rock
Littler said, “I feel really good to be on stage. The preparation beforehand has been really good, just relaxing, playing and relaxing again. I’m excited to perform on the biggest stage.”
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Highlights of the thrilling second round match between Littler and Nathan Aspinall
“I think I can. Obviously a 109 average, a 113 and a 109 come back with big finishes. The ability to score as well.
“As long as I can hold it, I’m sure I’ll dominate. Next game, let’s go back to 113 seconds.”
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Littler produced an incredible nine-darter in his opening match with Aspinall
That next game would see Dirk van Duyvenbode become the next player charged with trying to stop Littler in his tracks.
At this point, Littler’s win over the Rock marked the 27th consecutive time he had won a match over 20 legs.
Not only that, but Littler is also trying to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to win back-to-back at Blackpool, and the world No.1 currently holds the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League and Masters. He is also defending matchplay, Grand Slams, Grand Prix and Players Championship finals.
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Aspinall offered his darts to the spectators after Littler nearly hit his second nine-darter of the match
With everything in mind, Sky Sports Darts’ Mark Webster has a simple message for the Dutchman when he faces 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 that all tournament. I was delighted for Josh because it was an improved performance and a 101 average but he lost in nine legs so that shows how good Littler is,” Webster said.
“He looks comfortable in every scene. Good luck on Saturday Dirk.
“It’s a 111 tournament average. He’s played about 60 legs. He’s very good! He’s focused and relaxed.
“He’s the best player in the world so far. It’s scary form.”
Littler World is putting up some stunning stats in matchplay
What’s happening in World Matchplay Darts on Friday?
The quarter-finals continue, live on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Action from 7.30pm.
Gian van Veen and James Wade will battle it out in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year, with the world No.3 looking to avenge his loss to ‘The Machine’ in 2025.
Then, Garwin Price faced Ross Smith. Smith reached 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 defends his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more great games now.
