Littler Lands Nine-Darter to Set Up Blockbuster World Matchplay Final with Wade

Luke Littler produced another stunning chapter in his young career by firing in a magical nine-dart finish and battling back from a slow start to reach the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay final, where he will face James Wade on Sunday night in Blackpool.

In a semi-final classic that will go down in tournament folklore, Littler overcame a five-leg deficit to defeat Josh Rock 17-14 in front of a raucous Winter Gardens crowd, producing fireworks that included a perfect leg and a record-breaking 29 combined 180s between the pair.

The 17-year-old phenom, trailing 6-1 at one stage, showed trademark composure and resilience to haul himself back into contention. He struck his nine-darter in the eighth leg – finishing 141 on double 15 after he and Rock exchanged back-to-back 180s – but remarkably didn’t celebrate.

“I wasn’t happy with how I was playing early on,” Littler admitted post-match. “Even when the nine-darter went in, I stayed calm because I knew there was a lot of work to do. Josh played incredibly and didn’t miss much at the start, but I managed to reset and go again.”

The reigning World Champion gradually took control after the break. With Rock still performing at a high level – including superb 170 and 120 finishes in the closing stages – Littler delivered a five-leg burst from 9-6 down to take an 11-9 lead, and from there, he never looked back.

This dramatic comeback now sets up a mouth-watering final showdown with Wade – a player who made his first Matchplay final in 2006, a full two years before Littler was born. The pair last met in a major final at this year’s UK Open, where Littler cruised to an 11-2 win.

But the teenager isn’t taking anything for granted this time.

“James is playing some phenomenal darts again,” Littler said. “It’s going to be tough. I’m just going to focus on enjoying it and not putting too much pressure on myself. I haven’t lifted a trophy since the UK Open, so I’d love to add another.”

Wade Edges Clayton in Longest-Ever Matchplay Semi

Earlier in the evening, James Wade emerged victorious from a gruelling 38-leg thriller against Jonny Clayton, winning 20-18 in a match that shattered the record for the longest semi-final in the history of the event.

Wade appeared in total control, storming into a 16-10 lead with clinical finishing – including two 161 checkouts, one early in the contest and a crucial second to halt Clayton’s remarkable comeback. But the Welshman showed grit and class, reeling off six straight legs to draw level at 16-16 and apply real pressure to the 2007 champion.

“I honestly thought I’d blown it,” Wade admitted. “I lost concentration and let Jonny right back in. At 16-10, I should have closed it out, but he played some great stuff.”

After trading legs to 19-18, Wade found himself watching nervously as Clayton had two darts at double to force a last-leg decider. But the Welshman faltered, and Wade took full advantage, pinning double nine to seal the win.

“That moment was all about pressure,” Wade continued. “Jonny had taken out everything all night, but that time I guess I made him feel it. I’m relieved more than anything – I’m absolutely shattered.”

Wade was imperious early on, hitting a 161 checkout on his way to a 7-3 advantage. Despite a 161 from Clayton himself in leg 12 and a pair of 120 checkouts as he surged back late on, Wade’s early dominance proved just enough.

Now into his seventh World Matchplay final, Wade will be bidding for his second title, 17 years after lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy in 2007.

Final Showdown Set

Sunday’s final promises to be a generational battle between one of the sport’s great survivors and its newest superstar. Wade’s wealth of experience and tenacity will be put to the test against Littler’s explosive power and fearless approach.

With the Phil Taylor Trophy on the line, and after two unforgettable semi-finals, Blackpool is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay.

Littler Lands Nine-Darter to Set Up Blockbuster World Matchplay Final with Wade

2025 Betfred World Matchplay

Saturday July 26

Semi-Finals

James Wade 20-18 Jonny Clayton

Luke Littler 17-14 Josh Rock – Luke Littler hits a nine-dart finish!

Final

James Wade v Luke Littler

Best of 35 legs