Luke Littler entered the 2026 World Matchplay in Blackpool bearing the weight of a defending champion’s expectations, yet he has already begun to exceed them in spectacular fashion. While a nine‑dart finish on the Matchplay stage would normally be a career‑defining moment, Littler’s performance suggests that this achievement is merely the tip of an even larger iceberg of dominance.
From the opening rounds, the young Englishman has produced numbers that leave spectators and analysts alike speechless. His averages have hovered in the high‑hundreds, with a remarkable 113 average recorded in one of his early matches, followed by a slight dip to 109 before climbing back up again.
Such consistency at the elite level is rare, and it underscores the sheer scoring power Littler now possesses. The statistics are not just impressive on paper; they translate into decisive, high‑pressure finishes that have left his opponents scrambling. Littler himself seemed unfazed by the spotlight.
"I feel really good up on the stage," he told the media after a recent victory. "The preparations have gone smoothly – I’ve been relaxing, playing, and then relaxing again. It’s a privilege to perform on the biggest stages in darts." He added that his confidence stems from the solid averages he has been posting: "A 109 average, a 113, and then back to a 109 – those numbers come with big finishes, and the scoring power is there as well.
As long as I can keep it up, I’m sure I’ll dominate. Next game, let’s get it back up to the 113s." The next challenge for Littler arrives in the form of Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode, who will attempt to halt the Englishman’s momentum. Up to this point, Littler’s victory over Rock marked his 27th consecutive match win that extended beyond the 20‑leg mark, a streak that underscores his stamina and mental fortitude in long‑format contests.
Beyond the immediate matchups, Littler is chasing a historic feat: becoming the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to retain the Blackpool title. Van Gerwen’s back‑to‑back triumphs were a benchmark of excellence, and Littler now stands on the cusp of matching that legacy. Meanwhile, the current world No. 1 continues to dominate the broader darts calendar, holding the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League, and Masters titles, while also defending the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix, and Players Championship Finals.
Sky Sports Darts analyst Mark Webster summed up the sentiment surrounding Littler’s run with a succinct wish for his upcoming opponent: "Good luck." Webster praised Littler’s ability to play in sustained spells of high scoring, noting that the Englishman has been delivering such performances throughout the tournament. "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," Webster explained. "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.
Fans can also look forward to a repeat encounter between Gian van Veen and James Wade, marking the second consecutive year these two will clash at this stage. Wade, currently ranked world No.
3, will be seeking revenge for his 2025 loss to "The Machine". In another quarter‑final, Gerwyn Price will meet Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second‑round match due to illness.
Littler’s journey through the tournament is not just a personal quest for glory; it reflects a broader shift in the sport, where younger talent is increasingly challenging the established hierarchy. His ability to maintain high averages over extended legs, coupled with a calm demeanor under pressure, suggests a maturity beyond his years. If he can sustain this level of play, the prospect of a consecutive Blackpool crown appears increasingly likely. For viewers eager to follow every dart thrown, the entire event is available for streaming on NOW, with live coverage on Sky Sports.
Whether you are a longtime fan of darts or a newcomer drawn by the excitement of high‑stakes competition, Luke Littler’s "frightening form" provides a compelling narrative of ambition, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in one of the sport’s most prestigious arenas.