World Matchplay Darts: Luke Littler kicks off defence of title in stunning fashion as Stephen Bunting survives huge scare
Luke Littler launches the defence of his title in clinical fashion, reeling off five of the last six legs to defeat Germany's Niko Springer with a 109.5 average and seven 180s; you can watch the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports in Blackpool until July 26
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:33, UK
Luke Littler fired in an average of over 109 to kick off his World Matchplay defence in empathic fashion on Saturday.
Debutant Niko Springer held the world No 1 to a level game in the second break at 5-5 before 'The Nuke' hit a purple patch to dismantle the German.
The defending champion turned on the turbo - winning five of the next six legs - and finishing with an average of 109.53 to send a warning to the rest of the field in Blackpool.
Littler averaged over 123 in the final six legs to move into the second round at the Winter Gardens.
- As it happened on Day One of the World Matchplay
- Darts in 2026: Key dates, calendar, results 📅
- Got Sky? Watch on the Sky Sports app 📱
- Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW 📺
"It felt good. It felt very nice," said the 19-year-old from Warrington. "The first five legs were okay and then when I came back off the break I felt really good.
"It was bit annoying not going into the second break with the lead. Niko played his part but I found another gear and finished it off."
He added: "I was playing some really good stuff. From leg 11 I was on 120 average which goes to show how well I was playing. If I get better I'll be happier."
Littler vs Springer: Tale of the Tape
Littler will take on Nathan Aspinall in the second round after 'The Asp' debuted his new shirt in style with a 10-5 win over Joe Cullen.
Aspinall fired in a 105.32 average to power past his good friend Cullen as the pair fired in an incredible 16 180s between them with the Stockport ace taking out a huge 167 checkout along the way.
"I have not been playing that much," said Aspinall. "I didn't get in the Premier League, World Series, but I haven't really been concentrating on darts.
"I didn't expect to play like that but I am very happy with my performance. When I turned up today, I knew I had put the hours in.
"I am very happy with how I played, how I finished, how I conducted myself on the stage.
"I have got a pretty easy game next I think so I think I will be alright."
Bunting survives huge scare
Stephen Bunting defied a stirring comeback from Niels Zonneveld to defeat the Dutchman in a marathon last-leg decider.
Despite leading 8-5 and looking comfortable, Bunting was forced to survive match darts before eventually getting over the line.
Triple Z missed three match darts to stun 'The Bullet' before Bunting fired in an incredible 118 checkout.
The former Lakeside winner forced a deciding leg and broke the throw to tee up a second round tie with Josh Rock.
Rock made a winning start for the second year running in Blackpool, beating Luke Woodhouse 10-4 despite a sub-91 average, making the most of swathes of missed doubles from Luke Woodhouse.
The Northern Irishman dispatched an out-of-sorts 'Woody' who missed 20 darts at double during the contest.
"The two of us weren't firing on all cylinders but at the same time I'm very happy to have won," said the 25-year-old.
"This is one of my favourites venues. There was more in the tank tonight but it just didn't happen."
After reaching the semi-finals last year, Rock added: "I'm not here for the memories, I'm here to try and win this trophy more than anyone else."
What's happening at the World Matchplay on Sunday?
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens from July 18-26, as a 32-player field compete for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
Three-time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen will take centre stage in Sunday afternoon's session, as he plays two-time quarter-finalist Andrew Gilding in his opener.
Gary Anderson - the 2018 champion - makes his Winter Gardens return against Ryan Joyce, 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton faces Damon Heta, while Chris Dobey and Dirk van Duijvenbode also lock horns.
World No 3 Gian van Veen takes on newly-crowned European Darts Open champion Krzysztof Ratajski in Sunday's evening session, while 2007 champion James Wade - last year's runner-up - clashes with Jermaine Wattimena.
Wessel Nijman - a winner of eight PDC ProTour titles in 2026 - plays five-time World Matchplay quarter-finalist Dave Chisnall, as World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle meets Blackpool debutant William O'Connor.
Who will win this year's World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
