Luke Littler will take on Nathan Aspinall in a blockbuster clash at the Betfred World Matchplay, after opening his defence of the Phil Taylor Trophy with a sensational 10-6 win over Niko Springer on Day One in Blackpool.`
Saturday’s opening night 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 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 crashed in seven maximums 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 105.32 to defeat Joe Cullen 10-5, in a repeat of their semi-final showdown three years ago.
The Stockport star conjured 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.”
Elsewhere, Stephen Bunting won through a Winter Gardens classic against debutant Niels Zonneveld, surviving three match darts to edge 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 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 the Liverpudlian, who 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% of his attempts at double to condemn the 37-year-old to a third consecutive opening round exit in Blackpool.
“I’m very happy I won, but my performance wasn’t great,” reflected the former World Cup champion.“ 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.”
The Betfred World Matchplay continues with a bumper double session on Sunday, headlined by three-time winner Michael van Gerwen’s clash against Andrew Gilding.
Former champions Gary Anderson and James Wade will also be among the star attractions, while 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton kicks off his campaign alongside Dutch duo Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman.
The Betfred World Matchplay is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, CANAL+ and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
2026 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday July 18
Round One x4
Josh Rock 10-4 Luke Woodhouse
Stephen Bunting 13-12 Niels Zonneveld
Luke Littler 10-6 Niko Springer
Nathan Aspinall 10-5 Joe Cullen
Sunday July 19 (1300 BST)
Round One x4
Chris Dobey v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Gary Anderson v Ryan Joyce
Michael van Gerwen v Andrew Gilding
Jonny Clayton v Damon Heta
Sunday July 19 (1900 BST)
Round One x4
Ryan Searle v William O’Connor
James Wade v Jermaine Wattimena
Gian van Veen v Krzysztof Ratajski
Wessel Nijman v Dave Chisnall
—-ENDS—
Images: T Lanning / PDC
