Luke Littler Hits Nine-Darter, Dominates Aspinall at World Matchplay!
Luke Littler Hits Nine-Darter, Dominates Aspinall at World Matchplay!
World No. 1 Luke Littler lights up the World Matchplay with a stunning nine-darter and a commanding 11-8 victory over Nathan Aspinall. Don't miss this incredible darts action!
Darts fans are still buzzing after World Number One Luke Littler delivered a truly sensational performance at the World Matchplay, securing his spot in the quarter-finals. The young superstar achieved a thrilling nine-darter in the opening leg of his match against fellow Englishman Nathan Aspinall, setting the Winter Gardens crowd in Blackpool ablaze.
The Warrington teenager began the contest in the most spectacular fashion, achieving a perfect leg and finishing on a double 15. The roar of the delirious crowd was met by Littler cupping his ears, soaking in the adulation. Even Aspinall, his opponent, reacted with a laugh of disbelief before sharing a high five, acknowledging the sheer brilliance of the moment.
The excitement didn't stop there. Just three legs later, in the fourth, Littler was on the brink of an unprecedented second nine-darter, needing only a double 15. However, his dart landed just inches off target, preventing another historic moment. Aspinall, ever the showman, playfully offered his darts to the crowd, asking if anyone else wanted to try their luck against the in-form 19-year-old.
Despite Littler's incredible start, Aspinall proved to be a resilient opponent, battling back to level the score at 7-7. However, the reigning champion Littler then showcased his class, reeling off three consecutive legs to regain control. A brief rally from Aspinall wasn't enough, as he missed a crucial top in the 19th leg, allowing Littler to check out with a 52, sealing an 11-8 victory.
Littler's performance was not just about the nine-darter; he finished with an astonishing 113.68 average, the second-highest in the tournament's history, and threw a total of 14 maximum 180s. Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler commented on the electric atmosphere, saying, "The nine-darter just happened. These guys [the crowd] were booing me at the beginning and then they started cheering me on!" He also praised his opponent, adding, "It felt amazing and that was probably the best game Nathan and I have played against each other - it's never over against Nathan because he never gives up."
Looking ahead, Littler remains focused on his goal. "That's two unbelievable performances from myself here. Hopefully I can pick up the title again, but I just have to focus on who I play next." He is set to face Josh Rock in the quarter-finals, a rematch of last year's Matchplay semi-final. In other tournament news, Michael van Gerwen's campaign concluded after a 14-12 defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode.
