If a nine-darter would normally be the highlight of a World Matchplay appearance, Luke Littler has moved well beyond that benchmark in 2026. Arriving in Blackpool as the defending champion, he has carried the weight of expectation and then some, producing a run of performances that have stunned pundits and opponents alike.
The numbers tell the story:
– 113 average in the first round (the second-highest Matchplay first-round average after Phil Taylor’s 114.99 in 2010)
– 109 averages in his second-round and quarter-final matches
– A nine-darter against Nathan Aspinall
– 17 maximum 180s in the win over Josh Rock
– 14 maximum 180s in the match with Nathan Aspinall
Littler has spoken calmly about his form, saying he feels relaxed and prepared on the big stage. “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 said. He added that the scoring and finishing have been there and that, as long as he keeps it up, he expects to dominate: “Next game, let’s get it back up to the 113s.”
That next game will see Dirk van Duijvenbode tasked with trying to stop him on Saturday. Littler’s recent win over Josh Rock marked the 27th time in a row he has won a match that went beyond 20 legs, underlining an extraordinary consistency in long-format matches.
The wider context of Littler’s season is already impressive. The world No.1 currently holds the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League and Masters, and is defending titles at the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals. His tournament average at Blackpool sits around 111 after nearly 60 legs, a level of performance that has left commentators in awe.
Sky Sports Darts’ Mark Webster summed up the situation succinctly ahead of Littler’s meeting with van Duijvenbode: “He can play in spells. I say spells because he’s been doing it all tournament… He looks comfortable in every scenario. Good luck to Dirk on Saturday. He’s by far the best player in the world. It’s frightening form.”
The World Matchplay quarter-finals continue on Friday evening, live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action. The scheduled ties are Gian van Veen vs James Wade — a repeat of last year’s quarter-final — and Gerwyn Price vs Ross Smith; Smith advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second-round match due to illness.
Littler’s run in Blackpool is shaping up as one of the most dominant displays in recent Matchplay history. With enormous scoring power, regular big finishes and that nine-darter in his pocket, he arrives at the later stages as the form player everyone will be trying to stop.