Luke Littler entered the 2026 World Matchplay in Blackpool carrying the weight of a defending champion, and he has responded with a display that can only be described as extraordinary. While most players would consider a nine‑dart finish on the Matchplay stage a career highlight, Littler has turned that achievement into merely the opening act of a much larger story. From the moment the tournament began, Littler’s statistics have been nothing short of staggering. His averages have hovered in the low‑110s, with a particularly impressive 113‑average recorded in one of his early matches before settling back to a still‑remarkable 109.

Those numbers are not just high; they are indicative of a player who consistently strings together high‑scoring visits and finishes legs with clinical precision. The consistency of his scoring power suggests a player who is not only in peak form but also possesses the mental fortitude to maintain it under the brightest lights.

When asked about his mindset ahead of the event, Littler sounded relaxed yet confident. "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 went on to emphasize the importance of sustaining his high averages: "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." The next hurdle for Littler will be a showdown with Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode, who will be looking to halt the Englishman's momentum. Up to that point, Littler had already recorded his 27th consecutive match win that extended beyond 20 legs, a streak that underscores his stamina and ability to close out long battles.

His broader ambition is to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to win back‑to‑back titles at Blackpool, a feat that would cement his status among the sport’s elite. Littler’s résumé this season reads like a list of major trophies. He currently holds the World Darts Championship, the UK Open, the Premier League, and the Masters, while also defending the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix, and the Players Championship Finals. Such a collection of titles illustrates a player who has mastered the varied formats and pressures of professional darts.

Commentators have not shied away from praising his performance. Sky Sports Darts analyst Mark Webster summed up the sentiment succinctly when addressing van Duijvenbode: "Good luck. He can play in spells. I say spells because he's been doing it all tournament.

I was delighted for Josh because it was an improved performance and a 101 average but he lost by nine legs so it just shows how good Littler is. 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." The quarter‑finals will continue to be broadcast live from 7:30 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, featuring familiar faces such as Gian van Veen and James Wade, who meet for the second consecutive year.

Wade, the world number three, will be eager to avenge his 2025 loss to "The Machine". Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price will take on Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness.

Littler’s path to a second title will not be easy, but his current trajectory suggests he possesses both the skill set and the mental edge required to repeat his success. His ability to sustain high averages across a marathon of legs, coupled with a calm demeanor on stage, makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw. For fans eager to witness whether Littler can complete the rare back‑to‑back Blackpool conquest, all the action will be available on Sky Sports, with streaming options provided by NOW.

The tournament promises more high‑octane darts, dramatic finishes, and perhaps another chapter in the rise of a player who is rapidly becoming the benchmark for modern professional darts.