World champion surges after early wobble in Blackpool
Luke Littler began the defence of his Betfred World Matchplay crown with a controlled 10-6 victory over Germany’s Niko Springer at the Winter Gardens, turning a patchy first session into an emphatic statement of intent. The world number one accelerated after the opening interval, finishing with a match average of 109.53 and a ruthless burst that left little doubt about his form at this early stage of the tournament.
Littler burst into a 2-0 advantage before a mid-session slip allowed Springer to claim three on the bounce and nose ahead at the first break. On resumption, the reigning champion found a higher gear, producing back-to-back 10- and 11-dart legs that reset the contest and reasserted control. Springer, ranked 43 in the world, briefly halted the charge with checkouts of 114 and 100 to square it at 5-5, but Littler’s response was to sprint to the finish with three further 11-darters and a blistering 124.39 average across the closing six legs.
“It felt good, felt very nice. First five legs was OK but when I came back on after the break I felt very good,” he told Sky Sports. “It was a bit annoying not being in the lead, but Niko played his part. I found another gear and finished it off.”
The 17-year-old champion, who even managed a light-hearted quip about becoming “the next England manager” after spotting a sign in the crowd, was otherwise businesslike in his assessment, acknowledging that despite the headline numbers there is room to be more clinical at the outer ring.
“I couldn’t tell myself to play better because I was playing some really good stuff,” he said. “From leg 11 onwards I was on 120 average… I’ll be happier and as always sharpen up on those doubles. I want to win every major this year.”
How the numbers stacked up
What looked, briefly, like a tight first-round scrap turned after the interval as Littler’s scoring and tempo suffocated Springer's resistance. The German’s two-ton finishes were the highlight of his evening, but they only delayed the inevitable once Littler settled into a metronomic rhythm.
| Metric | Littler | Springer |
|---|---|---|
| Match score | 10 | 6 |
| Match average | 109.53 | Not stated |
| Best spell (final 6 legs) | 124.39 average | — |
| Notable checkouts | — | 114, 100 |
| Rapid legs | 10- and 11-dart legs (x4 in total) | — |
The defending champion’s ability to elevate immediately after the break proved decisive, underlining how quickly he can re-establish control in tight sessions — a hallmark of title runs on this stage.
What comes next
Littler’s second-round opponent will be Nathan Aspinall, after the 16th seed ousted Joe Cullen 10-5 with a 105.32 average and nine 180s — figures that set up a high-octane collision in the last 16. Elsewhere in the opening exchanges, ninth seed Stephen Bunting edged a marathon against Niels Zonneveld, 13-12, surviving three match darts in an overtime thriller to progress.
For local followers who prize the Matchplay’s unique theatre, the early takeaways are clear: the champion’s scoring power is intact, and his cadence between sessions remains a weapon. The caveat — by his own admission — is on the doubles, where marginal gains could prove the difference as the field tightens.
Key takeaways for fans
- Blistering restart: Littler’s post-break surge featured four 11-dart legs across the match and a late-session average of 124.39.
- Clinical under pressure: Springer’s two-ton checkouts steadied him, but the champion’s sustained scoring suppressed further momentum.
- Next test: A meeting with Aspinall, fresh from a 105.32-average display, promises heavyweight scoring and high stakes.
The Blackpool crowd responded to a performance that, at times, bordered on unplayable. For a title defence that will likely demand repeat doses of that intensity, the opening night offered reassurance — and a reminder from the champion that he still expects more from himself on the outer ring.
