If a player hit a nine-darter on the World Matchplay stage, that would usually go down as their highlight. That is just the tip of the iceberg for Luke Littler in 2026. <p>Littler came into Blackpool as the reigning and defending champion with the expectations on his shoulders to deliver.</p><p>He has and then some. The numbers are jaw-dropping:</p><ul><li>113 average in first round (second-highest at Matchplay behind Phil Taylor's 114.99 in 2010)</li><li>109 average in second round and quarter-finals</li><li>Nine-darter vs Nathan Aspinall</li><li>17 180s vs Josh Rock</li><li>14 180s vs Nathan Aspinall</li></ul><widget id="2"></widget><p>If his heights were not already incomprehensible, they have gone up a notch.</p><p>Not only that, Littler knows he can dominate.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/darts/live-blog/27975/13566216/world-matchplay-darts-live-updates-video-analysis-scores-commentary-with-luke-littler-gary-anderson-josh-rock-in-action"><strong>World Matchplay Day Six: As it happened!</strong></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>"I feel really good up on the stage. Preparations beforehand have gone really well, just relaxing, playing and relaxing again. I am just glad I can perform on the biggest stages," Littler said.</p> <widget id="3"></widget><p>"I feel like I can. Obviously a 109 average, a 113 and back down to a 109 average comes with the big finishes. The scoring power is there as well.</p><p>"As long as I can keep it up, I'm sure I will dominate. Next game, let's get it back up to the 113s."</p> <widget id="4"></widget><p>That next game will see Dirk van Duijvenbode become the next player charged with attempting to stop Littler in his tracks.</p><p>Up to this point, Littler's win over Rock marked the 27th time in a row he won a match that went over 20 legs.</p><p>Not only that, Littler continues his quest to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to go back-to-back in Blackpool, and the world No 1 currently holds the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League and Masters. He is also defending the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix and the Players Championship Finals.</p> <widget id="5"></widget><p>With all the in mind, <em>Sky Sports Darts'</em> Mark Webster has a simple message for the Dutchman when he takes on the best player in the world on Saturday, live on <em>Sky Sports</em>: "Good luck."</p><p>"He can play in spells. I say spells because he's been doing it all tournament. I was delighted for Josh because it was an improved performance and a 101 average but he lost by nine legs so it just shows how good Littler is," Webster said.</p><p>"He looks comfortable in every scenario. Good luck to Dirk on Saturday.</p><p>"It's 111 tournament average. He's played almost 60 legs. He's just too good! He's focused and relaxed.</p><p>"He's by far the best player in the world. It's frightening form."</p> <widget id="6"></widget><h3>What is happening on Friday at the World Matchplay Darts?</h3><p>The quarter-finals continue, live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action.</p><p>Gian van Veen and James Wade will do battle in the quarter-finals for a second year in a row, with the world No 3 looking to avenge his loss to 'The Machine' in 2025.</p><p>Then, Gerwyn Price faces Ross Smith. Smith went through to the quarter-finals after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second-round match in the fourth leg due to illness.</p> <widget id="1"></widget><p><strong>Who will win this year's World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler is be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. </strong><a href="https://www.nowtv.com/watch-sky-sports-online?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank"><strong>Stream darts and more top sport with NOW</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
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