Luke Littler opens World Matchplay defence as broadcasters capitalise on darts demand
The 19-year-old world number one delivered a dominant opening victory in Blackpool, underscoring the enduring commercial draw of the sport for broadcasters and sponsors.
Luke Littler opened the defence of his World Matchplay title with a commanding performance, defeating Germany’s Niko Springer in Blackpool. The 19-year-old world number one averaged 109.53 and hit seven 180s, overcoming a 5-5 tie to win decisively at the Winter Gardens. He averaged over 123 in the final six legs to move comfortably into the second round.
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay highlights the enduring commercial value of specialist sports broadcasting. With exclusive live coverage on Sky Sports and its NOW streaming service, the tournament serves as a key driver for subscriber engagement during the summer sports calendar. The 32-player field competing for the Phil Taylor Trophy underscores the sport's sustained market appeal.
Littler’s late surge sent a clear message to the rest of the field. "I found another gear and finished it off," the Warrington native said, adding that his strong form from leg 11 onwards proved his capabilities. He will face Nathan Aspinall next, who secured a 10-5 victory over Joe Cullen.
Aspinall fired in a 105.32 average and produced a massive 167 checkout during the match. The Stockport player noted that he had put in the necessary hours, despite missing out on recent Premier League and World Series events. He expressed strong satisfaction with his performance and conduct on the stage.
Elsewhere, Stephen Bunting survived a severe scare against Dutchman Niels Zonneveld. After surrendering an 8-5 lead and facing multiple match darts, Bunting forced a deciding leg. He ultimately sealed the marathon victory with a 118 checkout to set up a second-round tie with Josh Rock.
Rock advanced with a 10-4 win over an out-of-sorts Luke Woodhouse. The Northern Irishman capitalised on his opponent’s 20 missed doubles during the contest. Rock emphasised his ambition to win the trophy, stating he is not at the venue merely for memories.
The commercial and sporting momentum continues into Sunday’s sessions at the iconic Winter Gardens. High-profile matches featuring Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Gian van Veen will keep the venue at the centre of the sporting calendar. This sustained activity reinforces the regional economic footprint of major darts tournaments in Blackpool.
