Luke Littler admits he still has a long road ahead before he can lay claim to the title of "the greatest ever" in darts, yet he is determined to keep ticking milestones off his personal checklist. His immediate aim is to secure back‑to‑back victories at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, a feat that would cement his status among the sport’s elite. Littler moved a step nearer to that ambition on Tuesday, clinching a place in the quarter‑finals after a dramatic 11‑8 triumph over Nathan Aspinall.
The win not only propelled him into the next round against Josh Rock but also showcased a performance that left spectators and pundits alike in awe. From the very first leg, Littler announced his intentions in spectacular fashion by hitting a perfect nine‑dart finish. The precision of that opening salvo set the tone for the match, and he came close to replicating the feat in the fourth leg, missing only by a narrow margin on double 15. Throughout the contest he rattled off 14 maximum 180s, a display of scoring power that underlined his growing dominance.
His average of 113.68 was the second‑highest ever recorded at the World Matchplay, trailing only Phil Taylor’s legendary 114.99 from 2010. That statistic alone places Littler among the all‑time greats and fuels speculation about his future trajectory. Littler’s broader goal is to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2017 to retain the Blackpool crown.
Van Gerwen’s back‑to‑back triumphs remain a benchmark for consistency at the venue, and Littler is keen to join that exclusive club. At present, the world number one holds an impressive collection of titles, including the World Darts Championship, the UK Open, the Premier League and the Masters. In addition, he is defending champion at the Matchplay, the Grand Slam, the Grand Prix and the Players Championship Finals – a clean sweep that underscores his dominance across the sport’s major events. As Littler prepares to defend his title on the seaside stage, the question on everyone’s mind is how close he truly is to being labeled the "greatest ever".
The young prodigy acknowledges the weight of such comparisons, recalling that ever since he burst onto the scene, commentators have been asking whether he could be the next Phil Taylor. He replies with a blend of humility and ambition, stating that he would need to win sixteen World Championships – or a comparable haul of major titles – to feel he has truly earned that moniker.
"Am I still around in sixteen years? Who knows? If I manage to win sixteen consecutive World Championships, I’ll have made history," he said.
During his clash with Aspinall, Littler fell just short of achieving two nine‑dart finishes in a single match – a rare accomplishment that only Taylor has managed on television. Despite missing the second perfect leg by a single double, Littler’s performance remained a masterclass in consistency and scoring power. Reflecting on his opening nine‑dart finish, Littler suggested that his rigorous practice routine may have given him a subconscious sense that such a moment was possible. "I just want to produce my best stats every game I play and I think I have done it again tonight," he explained.
He also noted that at one point during the match his average eclipsed Phil Taylor’s 114, hinting that the record is ripe for being broken. When asked how he managed the flawless leg, Littler admitted he could not pinpoint a single factor. "It was the first leg of the game and then to go on and wire the double 15 again, that was really gutting to not hit two in a game," he said, acknowledging the frustration of missing the second nine‑dart.
He recounted a light‑hearted moment from his practice session that day, where he missed double 15 against a dart‑bot and his sister’s boyfriend teased him, prompting Littler to save the finish for later – and ultimately deliver it on the big stage. Although Littler emerged victorious, Aspinall took the defeat in stride, describing the encounter as the most enjoyable match of his career.
He praised Littler’s performance, noting the astonishing statistic of six treble‑less visits across 19 legs, and declared that the experience reignited his hunger for future success. "Fair play to Luke Littler, you were simply unreal," Aspinall wrote on social media, adding that the support from fans had been extraordinary.
The World Matchplay continues with a packed schedule on Wednesday, featuring four high‑profile matches. Cameron Menzies will look to build on his impressive win over world number two Luke Humphries when he meets Ross Smith. Gerwyn Price is set to face fellow former world champion Rob Cross, while world number three Gian van Veen will battle in‑form Dutchman Wessel Nijman. James Wade will round out the action against Ryan Searle.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain on Luke Littler, who will defend his title against a field of seasoned competitors. Fans can catch every throw, every high‑score, and every dramatic moment on Sky Sports, with the option to stream the action via NOW for those who prefer an on‑demand experience.
The quest for back‑to‑back glory in Blackpool continues, and whether Littler can add another chapter to his burgeoning legacy remains to be seen.