Luke Littler launched his defence of the World Matchplay title in spectacular fashion on Saturday, posting an average of more than 109 points per dart. The 19-year-old from Warrington began his match against debutant Niko Springer with a tightly contested opening, the two players deadlocked at 5-5 after the second break. Springer, who entered the arena as the world number one, managed to keep the score level for a while, but Littler soon found his rhythm and entered a dominant phase that left his opponent struggling.
After that early equilibrium, Littler went into what could be described as a turbo‑charged spell, winning five of the next six legs. By the end of the first round, he had compiled an impressive average of 109.53, sending a clear signal to the rest of the field that the defending champion was in top form. In the final six legs of the opening round, his scoring surged even higher, with an average exceeding 123, which propelled him comfortably into the second round at the historic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Reflecting on his performance, Littler said, "It felt good.
It felt very nice. The first five legs were okay and then when I came back off the break I felt really good." He admitted that he would have liked to have taken the lead before the second break, but added that he was able to shift into a higher gear and close out the match. "It was a bit annoying not going into the second break with the lead.
Niko played his part but I found another gear and finished it off," he explained. The young champion also highlighted his own scoring consistency, noting that from leg 11 onward he was averaging around 120 points per dart, a figure that underscored his high level of play. "If I get better I'll be happier," he concluded.
The tournament continued to deliver high‑octane action across the board. In the second round, Littler is set to face Nathan Aspinall, who had just showcased his own impressive form by defeating Joe Cullen 10-5. Aspinall, known as "The Asp," entered the match wearing a brand‑new shirt and posted a 105.32 average, while the two competitors combined for an astonishing 16 maximum 180s. Aspinall also recorded a massive 167 checkout during his victory, a testament to his finishing prowess.
Aspinall, who admitted his recent practice schedule had been lighter than usual, said, "I have not been playing that much. I didn't get in the Premier League, World Series, but I haven't really been concentrating on darts. I didn't expect to play like that but I am very happy with my performance. When I turned up today, I knew I had put the hours in.
I am very happy with how I played, how I finished, how I conducted myself on the stage. I have got a pretty easy game next I think so I think I will be alright." His confidence suggests a potentially tough encounter for Littler when the two meet.
Other notable matches included Stephen Bunting’s gritty win over Dutchman Niels Zonneveld. Bunting had taken an early 8-5 lead but was forced to survive several match darts from Zonneveld. The Dutchman missed three darts at double to clinch the match, after which Bunting responded with a brilliant 118 checkout to seal the victory in a marathon deciding leg. The former Lakeside champion then earned a place in the next round against Northern Irish contender Josh Rock.
Rock, who has become a regular fixture in Blackpool, opened his campaign with a convincing 10-4 win over Luke Woodhouse despite posting an average below 91. Rock capitalised on Woodhouse’s missed doubles—twenty in total—to dominate the encounter. After the match, Rock said, "The two of us weren't firing on all cylinders but at the same time I'm very happy to have won. This is one of my favourite venues.
There was more in the tank tonight but it just didn't happen." Having reached the semi‑finals last year, Rock added, "I'm not here for the memories, I'm here to try and win this trophy more than anyone else." The 2026 Betfred World Matchline, running from July 18 to 26, continues to attract the sport’s biggest names. The 32‑player field will battle for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy at the iconic Winter Gardens.
Three‑time champion Michael van Gerwen opens the Sunday afternoon session against two‑time quarter‑finalist Andrew Gilding. Former champion Gary Anderson returns to the Blackpool stage to face Ryan Joyce, while 2023 runner‑up Jonny Clayton meets Damon Heta. Chris Dobey and Dirk van Duijvenbode also have early‑round clashes.
In the evening session, world number three Gian van Veen will take on newly crowned European Darts Open champion Krzysztof Ratajski. 2007 champion James Wade, who was runner‑up last year, will meet Jermaine Wattimena.
Wessel Nijman—who has claimed eight PDC ProTour titles this season—faces five‑time World Matchplay quarter‑finalist Dave Chisnall, and World Championship semi‑finalist Ryan Searle will play Blackpool debutant William O'Connor. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW and other platforms.
The tournament’s blend of established stars and rising talent promises a thrilling week of darts, and all eyes will be on Luke Littler as he seeks to retain his crown against a field eager to dethrone him. Whether you are a seasoned follower or a newcomer, the Winter Gardens provides a historic backdrop for what is shaping up to be a memorable edition of the World Matchplay.