Luke Littler and Nathan Aspinall enjoy stellar starts at the World Matchplay as Bunting survives scare
Luke Littler and Nathan Aspinall produced blistering displays to safely progress on opening night at the 2026 World Matchplay in Blackpool.
Day One of the prestigious ranked major saw Littler deliver a darting masterclass at the Winter Gardens as he began his bid to become the fourth player to win back-to-back World Matchplay titles.
The world number one produced a staggering late surge to sink debutant Niko Springer, winning each of his last four legs in 11 darts to send out an ominous warning to his title rivals.
“It felt good, it felt very nice,” reflected Littler, who fired in seven 180s to move through to a meeting with 2023 champion Aspinall.
“It was a bit frustrating not going into the lead in the second break, but then I found another gear and managed to finish the job.
“I want to win every major [tournament] I can this year, and now I’m looking forward to playing Nathan on Tuesday.”
Aspinall also impressed on a pulsating night at the Empress Ballroom, averaging 105.3 to defeat Joe Cullen 10-5, in a repeat of their semi-final showdown three years ago.
The Stockport star produced a magnificent 167 checkout in seizing the early initiative, before fending off a mid-game fightback from Cullen to underline his title credentials.
“We all know Joe is a good mate of mine,” admitted Aspinall – one of seven former champions in this year’s field.
“I knew I had to play well tonight, but I didn’t expect to play like that to be fair.
“I put in a great performance there. I’m very happy with the way I played, the way I finished and the way I conducted myself on stage.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Bunting won through a Winter Gardens classic against debutant Niels Zonneveld, surviving three match darts before edging past the Dutchman 13-12.
Bunting appeared in cruise control at 8-5 ahead, only for Zonneveld to launch a sensational fightback, following up successive ten-darters with a sublime 164 checkout to draw level.
However, the left-hander squandered three match darts for an 11-9 victory and Bunting took full advantage, following up a skin-saving 118 checkout with a break of throw in the sudden-death leg to triumph.
“Niels is a fantastic player and I had to dig really deep to get through,” reflected Bunting – who now faces Josh Rock for a place in the quarter-finals.
“When you look at my performances over the last few years – I know how good I can be. I need to be at my best to win this title, but my name is still in that hat.
“I’ve got a difficult game in Josh Rock, but I want to win this, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
2025 semi-finalist Rock ran out a comfortable 10-4 winner against Luke Woodhouse, converting 52 per cent of his attempts at doubles to condemn the 37-year-old to a third consecutive opening round exit.
“I’m very happy I won, but my performance wasn’t great,” reflected the former World Cup of Darts winner.
“Luke and I weren’t firing on all cylinders. I felt there was more in the tank tonight but it just didn’t happen.
“This is one of my favourite venues and I’ve got great memories from last year, but I’m not here for memories, I’m here to try and win this trophy.”
Betfred World Matchplay 2026 Day One Results
Saturday July 18
First Round
Josh Rock 10-4 Luke Woodhouse
Stephen Bunting 13-12 Niels Zonneveld
Luke Littler 10-6 Niko Springer
Nathan Aspinall 10-5 Joe Cullen
