Luke Littler is more than ready to defend his World Matchplay title after an opening round 10-6 win over Niko Springer and believes that people should not "moan" about his and Luke Humphries' domination, but rather someone should stop them. <p>Littler is looking to become the first player in a decade to go back-to-back in Blackpool after Michael van Gerwen completed the feat in 2016.</p><p>He started that effort in stunning fashion against Springer, averaging over 109 in the match and over 123 in the final six legs.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13564693/world-matchplay-darts-luke-littler-kicks-off-defence-of-title-in-stunning-fashion-as-stephen-bunting-survives-huge-scare"><strong>Luke Littler kicks off Matchplay defence in stunning fashion</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/11061/13561487/betfred-world-matchplay-luke-littler-out-to-win-back-to-back-titles-as-field-confirmed-for-lb1m-boosted-event">Men's World Matchplay field confirmed</a></li><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/37278/13428768/darts-2026-schedule-and-dates-premier-league-darts-world-matchplay-and-more-with-luke-littler-in-action"><strong>Darts in 2026: Key dates, calendar, results</strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/skysports/WatchDartsApp" target="_blank">Got Sky? Watch on the Sky Sports app</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="http://www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW</a></strong></li></ul><p>Humphries gets his tournament under way on Monday against Cameron Menzies, live on <em>Sky Sports</em> from 7pm, as he looks to add a second Matchplay win after his 2024 triumph.</p><widget id="2"></widget><p>The world No 1 and No 2 are, of course, favourites to meet in another final. They have met on multiple big stages across 2026, including the Premier League, with 'Cool Hand' winning four of their last five meetings.</p><p>For Littler, it is up to the other competitors to put a stop to another final between the two Lukes.</p><p>"I think it is just one of them things. You have just got to keep going," Littler said.</p><p>"Obviously, Luke (Humphries) is on form. I am on form. If we meet in the final again, then so be it.</p><p>"Everyone can keep moaning but if no one is going to stop us, then we are going to keep meeting in finals."</p> <widget id="3"></widget><p>Next up for Littler is a second-round meeting with Nathan Aspinall who was on form in a 10-5 win against Joe Cullen.</p><h3>Littler: Matchplay decides the rest of 2026</h3><p>Whether Littler defends his Matchplay title has massive ramifications on how the rest of his 2026 unfolds.</p><p>Ahead of his match on Saturday, Littler confirmed that only victory at the Winter Gardens would see him head to the Pro Tours to try and book a spot at the Players Championship Finals.</p> <widget id="1"></widget><p>If he cannot defend his win, then he will not be defending his Minehead victory.</p><p>"It's a trophy (Matchplay) that I really wanted because I didn't have. I'm defending champion but I'm not defending a penny," he told<em> Sky Sports</em>.</p><p>"It's a free hit and going back-to-back. The tournament is up there with one of the best.</p><p>"The next nine days will decide if I go to the Players Championship Finals.</p><p>"If I don't win this then I'm not going back to Minehead for the Players Championship Finals. If I do win this then I will have to go to some Pro Tours and try and get in there."</p><h2>When is the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports?</h2><p>The World Matchplay commences on Saturday, July 18 and ends on Sunday, July 26.</p><p><strong>All nine days of the event will be shown <em>live on Sky Sports</em>, with coverage of the opening day commencing on Sky Sports+ at 7pm <a href="http://www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW</a></strong></p>
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