Luke Littler declared that, if he maintains his current dazzling form, he could dominate the world of darts in the same manner that the legendary Phil Taylor once did. The young Englishman continued his impressive run on Thursday by cruising into the semi‑finals of the World Matchplay with a commanding 16‑7 victory over fellow competitor Josh Rock. During that match Littler posted an astonishing three‑dart average of 109.57 and hit doubles with a success rate of 53 per cent, underlining his clinical finishing ability.
Having already amassed an eye‑popping 17 maximum 180s in his encounter with Rock in Blackpool, Littler – who is affectionately nicknamed "The Nuke" – will now face Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in the semi‑final, a clash that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Saturday. The world number one is aiming to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen achieved back‑to‑back titles in 2016 to repeat as champion in Blackpool, and the betting markets are heavily in his favour. After securing the win, Sky Sports asked Littler whether he truly believed he could dominate the sport in the same fashion as the all‑time great Phil Taylor. Littler responded with confidence: "Yeah, I feel like I can.
My averages of 113 and 109 come with the big finishes and the scoring power is there as well with the 180s. As long as I can keep it up, I'm sure I will dominate." He highlighted that his high scoring averages are complemented by his ability to finish legs quickly, a combination that has made him a formidable opponent on the oche. The interview then shifted to the subject of the £3 million prize that sits at the top of the PDC Order of Merit.
Littler admitted he had been keeping a close eye on the rankings and believes that a victory over van Duijvenbode would propel him past the £3 million threshold. "I checked the rankings the other day.
I think if I beat Dirk, then I will go into that £3m mark. As long as I'm playing like this and producing numbers, it's going to take something special from another player to beat me.
I've just got to keep going," he said. Littler currently holds a remarkable collection of major titles, including the World Darts Championship, the UK Open, the Premier League and the Masters.
In addition, he is defending his titles at the Matchplay, the Grand Slam, the Grand Prix and the Players Championship Finals. His sustained excellence has sparked talk among commentators that he may be on track to become the greatest ever competitor in the history of the Matchplay tournament. When asked about the growing chatter surrounding his historic potential, Littler was modest. "I wouldn't say I'm aware of it.
I saw something yesterday that Gezzy [Gerwyn Price] is up in the ranks for most legs played. In this competition you don't want to be at the top, you want to be down at the bottom. You don't want to win by two clear legs, you just want to get the job done. As long as I perform like that, I'll be happy," he explained, emphasizing his focus on consistency rather than external hype.
Reflecting on his performance on Thursday, Littler expressed a sense of calm confidence. "I feel really good up on the stage, preparations beforehand are going really well, just relaxing, playing, relaxing again.
I'm just glad I can perform on the biggest stages," he said, noting that his routine of preparation and mental composure has been key to his success. Beyond the immediate tournament, Littler's rise has broader implications for the sport. His rapid ascent challenges the traditional hierarchy and demonstrates that younger players can quickly become dominant forces when they combine natural talent with relentless practice and strategic matchplay. Analysts point out that his ability to maintain averages above 110 while still hitting a high percentage of doubles is a rare blend that historically belongs to only a handful of elite players.
Looking ahead, Littler's upcoming semi‑final against van Duijvenbode will be a pivotal moment. A win would not only secure a place in the final but also cement his status as the leading contender for the £3 million Order of Merit prize. Even if he falls short, his performance throughout the event will likely keep him at the forefront of discussions about the future of darts, as fans and pundits alike anticipate whether he can sustain this level of dominance over the coming seasons.
In summary, Luke Littler's recent achievements, his unwavering belief in his own abilities, and his strategic approach to both scoring and finishing suggest that he is on a trajectory that could see him become the sport's next great dominant figure, echoing the legacy of Phil Taylor while forging his own unique path in the world of professional darts.