Luke Littler reaches World Matchplay semi-finals amid record-breaking scoring form
The defending champion’s historic scoring averages at the Blackpool tournament reinforce his competitive dominance and provide a highly valuable asset for European sports broadcasters.
Luke Littler has advanced to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay in Blackpool, continuing his reign as defending champion with a dominant victory over Josh Rock. The world number one’s performance has elevated expectations for his potential to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to secure consecutive titles at the venue.
Littler’s statistical output during the tournament has been historically high. He recorded a 113 average in the first round, the second-highest in the event’s history behind only Phil Taylor’s 114.99 in 2010, and maintained a 109 average through the second round and quarter-finals. His recent victory included 17 maximum 180 scores, adding to a nine-darter and 14 maximums against Nathan Aspinall in an earlier round.
For broadcasters like Sky Sports, which holds the live rights to the event until July 26, this level of sustained excellence provides a highly marketable narrative. Littler currently holds the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League, and Masters titles, making his matches a reliable driver of viewership and streaming subscriptions on platforms like NOW.
Littler attributed his consistency to a relaxed preparation routine, noting that his scoring power remains intact across high-pressure scenarios. "As long as I can keep it up, I'm sure I will dominate," he stated, setting a target to return to his 113 average in his next match.
The victory over Rock marked the 27th consecutive time Littler has won a match extending beyond 20 legs. He now faces Dutch player Dirk van Duijvenbode in the semi-finals, a matchup that Sky Sports Darts commentator Mark Webster assessed with stark realism.
"He's by far the best player in the world. It's frightening form," Webster observed, highlighting Littler’s overall tournament average of 111 across nearly 60 legs. He noted that despite Rock’s improved 101 average, the nine-leg deficit demonstrated the champion's overwhelming control.
The remainder of the quarter-finals features Gian van Veen against James Wade, with the world number three seeking revenge for a 2025 defeat. In the other bracket, Gerwyn Price is scheduled to face Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second-round match due to illness.
