WARRINGTON’S world number one Luke Littler launched his Betfred World Matchplay title defence with a spectacular 10-6 victory over Germany’s Niko Springer on opening night at the Winter Gardens.
The reigning champion weathered a strong mid-match surge from the debutant before unleashing an unstoppable finishing sequence to secure his spot in the second round.
Littler recorded a blistering match average of 109.53. He went into overdrive in the final stretch, averaging 124.39 over the last six legs.
‘The Nuke’ secured his final four legs with consecutive 11-dart legs, leaving his opponent with no room to respond. After racing to a 2-0 lead, Littler briefly fell behind 3-2 at the first break. Springer kept the game level at 5-5 by pulling off spectacular 114 and 100 checkouts.
Showing his characteristic charm, Littler joked with a fan holding a sign about the vacant football job, saying, “I’ll be the next England manager,” following England’s recent exit from the World Cup.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Littler admitted he faced a minor test:”The first five legs were okay and then when I came back off the break I felt really good. 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.”
Littler made his ultimate goal clear, stating: “I want to win every major this year.”
Littler is attempting to become the first player in a decade to secure back-to-back titles at Blackpool’s Empress Ballroom. The win sets up a highly anticipated second-round blockbuster against 2023 champion Nathan Aspinall, who advanced with a 10-5 win over Joe Cullen.
IMPERIOUS FROM LITTLER! ☢️
That was scarily good! 🤯
Luke Littler averages 109.53 to kick off his title defence with a 10-6 victory over an impressive Niko Springer!
📺 https://t.co/xXnQhVoUPy#MatchplayDarts pic.twitter.com/Z3eCuwr3qA
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 18, 2026
