It’s always a risk to predict that a particular game is a highlight to be anticipated, there is always the risk of an unexpected scrappy affair or a one sided procession. But this one could be a meeting for the ages!
Luke Littler kicked off his title defending campaign with a 10-6 win over Niko Springer, averaging 109.53 – the nineth highest in World Matchplay history – continuing his incredible run of 32 consecutive wins in Ranking Majors. A ‘first 9’ average of 121.92 and seven 180’s was necessary to see off a good performance from the German on debut, but the Nuke was simply irresistible.
Nathan Aspinall produced some pretty decent numbers himself, averaging 105.32 in his 10-5 win over close friend Joe Cullen, as the 2023 Champion looks to make inroads in Blackpool again! Sixteen 180’s between the pair, along with almost 48% on the outer ring from the Asp, who also produced finishes of 112 and 167.
All of these stats lean towards this meeting being an absolutely blockbuster at the Winter Gardens. Nathan Aspinall is looking to return to the Quarter-Finals for the first time since he won the Title, having lost to James Wade in the second round in 2024, and to Wessel Nijman in his opener last year.
Luke Littler lost on debut at the World Matchplay in 2024 having drawn Michael van Gerwen in the opening round but is yet to lose since. He’ll be looking to keep that record going as he searches for his fifth major title of the year already!
The head-to-head does not read well for the Asp, with World Number one winning 16 of their 19 meetings, including their last two. Their most recent meeting came in the Final of the Players Championship Finals last year, with the Nuke winning 11-8.
Aspinall did win back-to-back meetings last June, with both coming on the World Series of Darts, but has never beaten him in a ranking match (played 4).
The winner will take on the winner of another brilliant encounter between Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting, with the Quarter-Finals of this section taking place on Thursday evening.
Images: PDC
