Luke Littler demolishes Ryan Searle to lay down a marker at the World Matchplay

Luke Littler registered his first win on the World Matchplay stage in sensational style by thrashing Ryan Searle 10-2 on Sunday.

Littler had seen a host of big names – including world number one Luke Humphries – bow out early in Blackpool, but ensured he would not suffer a similar fate as he surged into the Second Round at the Winter Gardens.

Having lost out to Michael van Gerwen in Round One on debut 12 months ago, Littler made amends in some style, sweeping aside a shell-shocked Searle in just 16 minutes of play.

The reigning World Champion was imperious from start to finish at the Empress Ballroom, averaging 108.9 and firing in five 180s in his demolition of the Somerset star.

“I was well up for tonight. I really wanted that winning feeling,” said Littler, who now meets Jermaine Wattimena in the Last 16.

“I’m so glad to get my first win here, and I cannot wait to come back on Wednesday.

“I’ve been practising so much recently. I’ve been putting the hours in, and I’m glad it’s paid off tonight.

“I think all eyes are on me now, but I will just take it game by game.”

Jonny Clayton and Gary Anderson impressed on Day Two of the sport’s summer showpiece, overcoming Martin Schindler and Luke Woodhouse in their respective first round ties.

Clayton, runner-up in 2023, defied a 103 average from Schindler to extend the German’s winless run in Blackpool, rounding off a clinical display to wrap up a 10-7 success.

“This means a lot to me,” revealed Clayton. “Martin is fantastic. What a player and what a credit to darts. He’s a great guy.

“I love it on this stage. I’m confident, I’ve got a smile on my face and I want to win this tournament, so hopefully it’s going to be my week.”

Anderson, meanwhile, made a sprint for the finish in his clash against Woodhouse, reeling off five legs on the spin from 5-5 to set up a blockbuster showdown with fourth seed Stephen Bunting.

The Scotsman struggled for fluency in the opening exchanges, although he produced a masterclass on the outer ring, pinning 67 per cent of his attempts at doubles to get his title tilt underway.

“I changed darts a few times, but it came good in the end,” quipped the 2018 World Matchplay champion.

“I really appreciated the support tonight. I have not got many years left [in the sport], so I just want to soak it all in now.

“I’m here to play darts, and whatever happens, happens. If I can play the way I should play, I’ll be alright. If I don’t, I’m going home!”

Anderson’s reward is a meeting with former Masters champion Bunting – who overcame a sluggish start to see off Ryan Joyce for the second successive year in round one.

Bunting required a tie-break to topple Joyce 12 months ago, and despite surrendering an 8-4 cushion, the world number four responded with a brilliant 11-darter to advance.

Earlier in the day, former champions Rob Cross and Peter Wright joined the list of high-profile casualties in Blackpool, with Damon Heta and Dave Chisnall also crashing out at the first hurdle.

Andrew Gilding missed double 12 for a spectacular nine-darter in his tie against Heta, before running out a 12-10 winner in a Winter Gardens epic.

Both players averaged over a ton in a compelling contest, although it was Gilding – aided by ten 180s – who prevailed in a dramatic tie-break to set up a meeting with Dirk van Duijvenbode.

“A few years ago I would have crumbled,” admitted Gilding, who averaged 101.8 to record one of the best victories of his career.

“Now I’m getting so much experience under my belt that I can handle these pressure situations.

“I wanted that nine-darter so badly, but I’m very happy to win, and hopefully I can reach the quarter-finals again. That’s the dream!”

Following opening night wins for Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman and Danny Noppert, Van Duijvenbode joined his fellow countrymen in the Last 16 with a superb 10-8 win over Cross.

The Dutchman overturned a 6-2 deficit to stun the 2019 champion, unleashing a brilliant late barrage – including a magnificent tops-tops 137 checkout – to complete the comeback.

Wattimena then maintained the Dutch domination in Blackpool, fending off a spirited fightback from 2021 champion Wright to secure his first World Matchplay win at the fifth attempt.

Wattimena suffered a quartet of first round exits between 2018 and 2021, but he marked his return with a hard-fought 10-8 victory at the expense of the two-time World Champion.

Mike De Decker also celebrated his first victory on the Winter Gardens stage, converting back-to-back 104 and 148 checkouts to complete a 10-7 victory over five-time quarter-finalist Chisnall.

The World Grand Prix champion trailed 7-6 before rattling off four successive legs to set up a meeting with fifth seed Clayton on Tuesday night.

World Matchplay 2025 Day Two Results

Sunday July 20

First Round

Afternoon Session
Damon Heta 10-12 Andrew Gilding
Rob Cross 8-10 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Peter Wright 8-10 Jermaine Wattimena
Dave Chisnall 7-10 Mike De Decker

Evening Session
Gary Anderson 10-5 Luke Woodhouse
Jonny Clayton 10-7 Martin Schindler
Luke Littler 10-2 Ryan Searle
Stephen Bunting 10-8 Ryan Joyce