Luke Littler entered the Blackpool arena this year carrying the weight of a defending champion, and he has responded with a performance that far exceeds expectations. While a nine‑dart finish on a World Matchplay stage would normally be the highlight of any player’s career, Littler’s 2026 campaign has turned that achievement into just the opening act of an extraordinary run.
From the moment he stepped onto the stage, Littler demonstrated why he is regarded as the sport’s brightest star. The statistics he has produced are nothing short of astonishing. In a series of matches that have been broadcast in high definition, his averages have consistently hovered around the 109‑113 mark, a range that typically belongs only to the very elite of the game. These numbers are not merely impressive on paper; they translate into a relentless pressure that his opponents find almost impossible to withstand.
When asked about his mindset before the tournament, Littler explained that his preparation had been 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 said. This calm confidence has become a hallmark of his recent form, allowing him to maintain a high scoring power while still delivering clutch finishes when it matters most.
His confidence is reflected in his own words about his scoring consistency: "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." Such statements underscore a player who not only knows his capabilities but also trusts his ability to sustain them throughout a grueling tournament schedule.
The next hurdle for Littler will be a clash with Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode, a player tasked with halting Littler’s momentum. Up to this point, Littler’s victory over Rock marked his 27th consecutive win in matches extending beyond 20 legs, a streak that highlights his stamina and mental resilience. Moreover, he is on a quest to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to capture back‑to‑back titles at the Blackpool World Matchplay.
Littler’s ambitions do not stop at Blackpool. The current world number one already holds the World Darts Championship, the UK Open, the Premier League, and the Masters. He is also defending titles at the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix, and the Players Championship Finals. Achieving all of this in a single season would cement his status as one of the most dominant forces in modern darts.
Sky Sports’ former world champion Mark Webster summed up the sentiment surrounding Littler’s performance with a simple yet powerful message for van Duijvenbode: "Good luck." Webster praised Littler’s ability to produce high‑quality spells of play throughout the tournament, noting a recent match where Littler posted a 101 average yet still won by a nine‑leg margin, a testament to his superiority. "He looks comfortable in every scenario. Good luck to Dirk on Saturday. 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," Webster added. The quarter‑finals will continue to be broadcast live from 7.30 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action. Fans can also look forward to a repeat encounter between Gian van Veen and James Wade, marking their second consecutive quarter‑final meeting, with Wade seeking revenge for his 2025 loss to "The Machine".
In another marquee matchup, Gerwyn Price will take on Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness. As the tournament progresses, the question on everyone’s mind remains: who will lift the World Matchplay trophy this year?
With Littler defending his title and displaying a level of play that many describe as "frightening", the odds are heavily stacked in his favor. However, darts is a sport where momentum can shift in an instant, and the pressure of back‑to‑back victories adds an extra layer of challenge.
For viewers eager to follow every dart thrown, the action is available on Sky Sports, with streaming options through NOW for those who prefer to watch on-demand. Whether you are a casual fan or a seasoned aficionado, the Blackpool showdown promises drama, high scoring, and the chance to witness history in the making as Luke Littler strives to etch his name alongside the legends of the game.