Luke Littler lights up the World Matchplay with nine-darter in epic win over Nathan Aspinall
Luke Littler produced a spectacular nine-dart finish en route to an 11-8 victory over Nathan Aspinall in a World Matchplay classic on Tuesday.
The world number one stepped up the defence of the Phil Taylor Trophy in jaw-dropping fashion by averaging 113.68 – the second-highest average in the World Matchplay’s 32-year history – in dispatching 2023 champion Aspinall.
Littler produced perfection in the opening leg of the contest, setting the tone for one of the greatest matches the Winter Gardens has ever witnessed.
The teenage sensation, who also struck perfection in last year’s semi-final against Josh Rock, raised the roof in Blackpool once again by becoming only the second player to achieve two nine-darters in the World Matchplay.
He remarkably threatened a second nine-darter in the space of just four legs, agonisingly wiring double 15 to narrowly miss out on a historic double.
Despite Littler’s brilliance, Aspinall produced an exceptionally resilient display, levelling the contest at seven apiece despite averaging 12 points fewer than the defending champion.
The world number one then strung three legs straight before missing a match dart at 10-7, as Aspinall produced a magical 170 checkout to stay alive – though Littler would win the subsequent leg to close out a memorable triumph.
“It felt amazing. That was probably the best game me and Nathan have played against each other,” admitted Littler, who had previously hit a nine-darter against Aspinall in the opening leg of their clash in the 2024 Bahrain Masters.
“I’ve seen the averages there, 113 for me, 101 for Nathan. I thought Nathan’s average was going to be a bit better!
“As soon as I missed double five [for the match], I knew he was going to hit the 170.
“When I was practising backstage I was playing okay. But the nine-darter just happened!
“I’m just glad to take part in such an amazing game.”
Littler recorded just six trebleless visits and fourteen 180s across the 19-leg contest, while the total of 22 maximums is the most ever in a Last 16 tie at the World Matchplay.
“That’s two unbelievable performances from myself,” added Littler, who will face Josh Rock in a repeat of last year’s epic semi-final
“Niko [Springer] was right behind me until the second break, and Nathan never gives up, he’s probably the best player to do that on tour.
“I never say to myself it’s over; you’re playing Nathan Aspinall, he’s one of the best players to come back at you.
“You can never put the trophy in someone’s hands in round one, never mind round two.
“That was a proper test and we can look forward to whenever I’m playing.”
Later in the evening Rock comfortably punished an out of sorts Stephen Bunting – who averaged just 82.9 – to seal an 11-6 victory.
Rock landed a 106 checkout to lead 6-3 after a slow start, before catching alight to see off the contest with relative ease, pinning a magnificent 140 checkout in the final leg.
“That was probably one of the toughest games of my life,” reflected an emotional Rock.
“Stephen is one of my best friends on the tour, and I had to change my mindset.
“I had to change something to try and get through this game. It was so difficult.
“I’m going to give it my all against Luke [Littler], because I’m here to win this title.”
Meanwhile Dirk van Duijvenbode dumped out three-time champion Michael van Gerwen after a thrilling tie-break contest which ended 14-12.
After leading 8-4, Van Duijvenbode was forced to weather the storm from his legendary compatriot – who landed an 11-darter followed by a 148 checkout to trail by a sole leg.
Nevertheless, despite being taken to a tie-break, Van Duijvenbode broke with an 11-darter to lead 13-12, before sealing the match to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time.
“In the end, to just get over the line is happy days,” admitted Van Duijvenbode, who secured his second tie-break win in two matches after defeating Chris Dobey 13-11 in Round One.
“Michael came back because I started shaking. Completely afraid like a little child crying for his mum, and I’m just happy in the end that I won it.”
Van Duijvenbode will now face Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals, and added: “I love playing Gary. “I love the guy.
“Sometimes he is too good, but sometimes I beat him!
“Most of the time we play great games, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Former champion Anderson dispatched 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton 11-7 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in six years.
Despite Clayton leading 4-1 after a trademark 121 checkout, Anderson took eight of the next 10 legs to create a three-leg cushion, before closing out the contest with a 12-dart leg.
“I’m a big fan of Jonny. He’s a gentleman and a cracking, cracking darts player,” said Anderson, after the pair faced off for the first time in over a year.
“I was expecting Jonny to do what he does – his 180s and 161s, but we dragged it out a bit there!
“I’ll keep going, but it just proves the point that the old boys aren’t finished yet.”
World Matchplay 2026 Day Four Results
Tuesday July 21
Second Round
Jonny Clayton 7-11 Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen 12-14 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Luke Littler 11-8 Nathan Aspinall – *Littler hits a nine-darter*
Josh Rock 11-6 Stephen Bunting
