The 2025 Betfred World Matchplay final will soon be contested between a highly decorated former champion, James Wade, and reigning World Champion, Luke Littler – the very same duo who faced off in the UK Open final in Minehead just a few months ago.
When Wade lifted this title back in 2007, Luke Littler wasn’t even walking yet. That pretty much sums it up: Wade’s extraordinary longevity, and Littler’s almost absurdly tender age.
So, in the Aldershot corner – weighing in at… well, slightly more than last week after a few chippy teas – 42-year-old perennial major-winner… James Wade.
In the opposite corner, 18 years old, with a knockout record that Mike Tyson would raise an eyebrow at – hailing from Warrington – Luke Littler.Both have been outstanding en route to the final. Wade, for one, was less than thrilled to discover he’d been listed at 66/1 to win the tournament.
And to be fair, if you’ve played at the Winter Gardens for 20 straight years, reached the semis in over half of those appearances, and sit fifth in the world… you’d probably feel a bit miffed too. Maybe it lit the fire – and if so, the trail of beaten opponents can take their complaints directly to the betting shop.
Wade began in ruthless fashion, dismantling Joe Cullen 10-3 with his highest ever Matchplay average – 104.44. He then went over the ton mark again to see off Wessel Nijman, before dispatching another rising Dutch star in Gian van Veen. In the semi-final, he looked home and dry at 16-10 before Jonny Clayton dragged him into deep waters.
James eventually got it done 20-18 in one of the most dramatic matches of the week.Over in the other half, Littler came out swinging – destroying Ryan Searle 10-2 with an average just shy of 109. Message delivered.
He followed that up with a comeback win over Jermaine Wattimena, who had stormed into a 7-2 lead before being reminded who he was playing. After that, Littler edged past the ever-stubborn Andrew Gilding, who spent most of the match clinging to his coattails.
And then came that semi-final. Littler vs Rock – a match that deserves its own documentary.
From 5-0 down, the World Champion produced yet another comeback masterclass to win 17-14 in a match that featured 29 maximums, two averages over the ton, and a nine-darter from Littler – in a leg where both players opened with back-to-back 180s. Just outrageous stuff.
So, history will be made one way or another this evening. Either the trophy will be lifted by the youngest winner in its history – which, let’s be honest, wouldn’t surprise anyone given Littler’s habit of being the youngest to do literally everything.
Or it’ll go to a man winning it almost two decades after his first – something we’re unlikely to see again in our lifetimes.
Lads – it’s over to you.
