Luke Littler arrived in Blackpool this year bearing the weight of a defending champion’s expectations, yet he has already begun to eclipse them in spectacular fashion. While a nine‑dart finish on the World Matchplay stage would normally be a career‑defining moment, for Littler it is merely the opening act of a much larger narrative unfolding in 2026. From the moment he stepped onto the oche, the statistics surrounding his play have been nothing short of staggering. His averages have hovered in the low‑hundreds, with a particularly eye‑catching 113 average recorded during one of his recent matches.
Even more impressive is his consistency: Littler has now recorded a sequence of 27 consecutive victories in matches that extended beyond the standard 20 legs, a run that underscores both his stamina and his ability to thrive under prolonged pressure. When asked about his preparation and mindset, Littler emphasized a blend of disciplined practice and mental relaxation. "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," he explained. He added that his scoring power is evident in his high averages, noting that a 109‑average, a 113‑average, and then a return to a 109‑average all came in the same session, demonstrating that his big finishes are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of dominance. Looking ahead, Littler’s next opponent will be Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, who will be tasked with halting the English prodigy’s momentum.
Van Duijvenbode will need to bring his own best game, as Littler has already proven that he can sustain a high level of play across multiple legs and matches. The stakes are further heightened by the historical context: Littler is chasing the elusive back‑to‑back Blackpool titles that have not been achieved since Michael van Gerwen’s consecutive victories in 2016.
Achieving this feat would place Littler among an elite group of darts players who have managed to dominate the sport across multiple major tournaments. The broader landscape of the World Matchplay adds additional intrigue.
The current world number 1 holds an unprecedented collection of titles, including the World Darts Championship, the UK Open, the Premier League, and the Masters. Meanwhile, Littler is defending his own impressive résumé, which includes the Matchplay, the Grand Slam, the Grand Prix, and the Players Championship Finals.
Such a concentration of accolades in a single season is rare and underscores the intensity of the competition. Sky Sports darts analyst Mark Webster summed up Littler’s performance with a succinct, yet powerful, endorsement: "Good luck." He went on to describe Littler’s play as occurring in "spells," highlighting the player’s ability to sustain high‑quality darts over extended periods.
Webster praised fellow competitor Josh for an improved performance, noting a 101 average, but reminded viewers that Littler’s superiority was evident as he won by nine legs. "He looks comfortable in every scenario.
Good luck to Dirk on Saturday," Webster added, before concluding, "It's a 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." The quarter‑finals will continue to be broadcast live from 7:30 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action. Fans can also expect a repeat clash between Gian van Veen and James Wade, marking their second consecutive meeting at this stage of the tournament.
Wade, currently ranked world number 3, will be eager to avenge his 2025 loss to the player known as "The Machine." Another marquee matchup will see Gerwyn Price take on Ross Smith. Smith secured his quarter‑final berth after Cameron Menzies was forced to withdraw from their second‑round encounter due to illness, granting Smith a walk‑over in the fourth leg. This unexpected turn of events adds another layer of unpredictability to an already thrilling bracket.
For viewers eager to follow the drama, all action will be streamed on Sky Sports, with additional coverage available via the NOW platform. The tournament not only offers a showcase of elite darts talent but also serves as a litmus test for who will ultimately claim the World Matchplay title this year.
While Littler’s defending champion status makes him the favorite, the depth of the field ensures that any number of players could emerge victorious. In summary, Luke Littler’s current form can only be described as "frightening" – a blend of relentless scoring, mental composure, and an unyielding desire to cement his place in darts history. Whether he can replicate his 2025 success and become the first player since van Gerwen to win back‑to‑back Blackpool titles remains to be seen, but the evidence thus far points toward a historic achievement.
The upcoming matches, especially the showdown with Dirk van Duijvenbode, will be critical in determining if Littler can maintain his extraordinary run and add another chapter to his rapidly growing legacy.