LUKE Littler produced one of the finest performances of his career as he booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Betfred World Matchplay with a breathtaking 11-8 victory over Nathan Aspinall at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The 19-year-old Warrington darts sensation thrilled the packed Empress Ballroom by hitting a spectacular nine-dart finish in the opening leg before maintaining an extraordinary standard throughout a match that many are already describing as a tournament classic.
Littler averaged an incredible 113.68, the second-highest average ever recorded in the history of the World Matchplay, underlining why he is regarded as the world’s leading player. Despite Aspinall producing moments of brilliance of his own, including a stunning 170 checkout to keep his hopes alive, the defending champion never lost his composure and closed out an enthralling contest 11-8.
The Warrington ace looked capable of producing a second perfect leg during the contest as he piled relentless pressure on his opponent with heavy scoring and clinical finishing.
After the match, Littler admitted the atmosphere made the occasion even more special, revealing he had enjoyed winning over the Blackpool crowd as they witnessed one of the standout performances of this year’s tournament.
The victory keeps alive Littler’s bid to successfully defend the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy and continue an extraordinary run of success in 2026. Having already shown his class in the opening round with a 109.53 average, he has now firmly established himself as the man to beat in Blackpool.
With confidence soaring and his game reaching remarkable heights, “The Nuke” heads into the quarter-finals looking every inch the favourite to retain his World Matchplay crown.
Watching that incredible match on repeat… 🔁
Read up on Luke Littler's astounding win in our round-up from Tuesday evening 👇
🗞️ https://t.co/ANzT08XKsw pic.twitter.com/YZmSvzZcHD
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 21, 2026
LITTLER LANDS THE NINE! ☢️
LUKE LITTLER PRODUCES PERFECTION IN THE OPENING LEG OF THE MATCH!
Absolutely astonishing! 🤯
📺 https://t.co/xXnQhVoUPy#MatchplayDarts pic.twitter.com/QbDrwSyGKW
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 21, 2026
