Littler Lights Up Blackpool as Seeds Tumble on Drama-Packed Day Two

Luke Littler produced a stunning performance at the Betfred World Matchplay on Sunday, sending a powerful warning to his rivals with a blistering first-round win on the famous Winter Gardens stage.

While several top names, including world number one Luke Humphries, suffered early exits during a dramatic weekend in Blackpool, the reigning World Champion showed no signs of vulnerability as he cruised into the last 16.

Littler, who was beaten by Michael van Gerwen on debut last year, needed just 16 minutes to dismantle Ryan Searle in a dominant 10-2 victory. The teenager looked every bit the title contender, averaging 108.92 and firing in five 180s in a ruthless display that left his opponent reeling.

“I was well up for tonight. I really wanted that winning feeling,” Littler said after recording one of the highest averages in tournament history. “I’ve been putting the work in, and I’m glad it’s showing. I think all eyes are on me now, but I’m just taking it one game at a time.”

The shock defeats of Humphries and Nathan Aspinall on Saturday set the tone for an unpredictable start to this year’s event, and the drama continued throughout Sunday’s double session, with four more seeded players bowing out.

However, there were strong showings from Jonny Clayton and Gary Anderson, who both progressed with impressive victories. Clayton was pushed all the way by a resurgent Martin Schindler, who averaged over 103, but the Welshman delivered a clinical 10-7 win to maintain his title ambitions.

“This means a lot to me,” said Clayton, who averaged 112 during the early stages. “Martin played brilliantly, but I love it up on this stage. I’ve got a smile on my face, I’m confident, and I’m hungry to win this.”

Anderson, the 2018 champion, overcame a slow start against Luke Woodhouse before reeling off five consecutive legs to secure a 10-5 win. The Scotsman was razor-sharp on the doubles, landing 67% of his attempts as he booked a high-profile clash with Stephen Bunting.

“I’ve changed darts a few times recently, but they worked well tonight,” Anderson joked. “The support was amazing. I know I don’t have many years left in this game, so I just want to enjoy every moment.”

Bunting, meanwhile, edged out Ryan Joyce in a tense finish. Having seen an 8-4 lead disappear, the fourth seed responded with a superb 11-darter to seal a 10-8 win – his second consecutive first-round victory over Joyce.

Elsewhere, Andrew Gilding and Dirk van Duijvenbode delivered two of the standout performances of the day. Gilding narrowly missed a nine-darter and hit ten maximums in a dramatic 12-10 triumph over Damon Heta, while Van Duijvenbode recovered from 6-2 down to defeat 2019 champion Rob Cross 10-8, featuring a highlight 137 finish on tops-tops.

“A few years ago, I would have folded in that situation,” Gilding admitted. “But now I’ve got more experience and confidence. I wanted that nine-darter badly, but winning was the main thing.”

Jermaine Wattimena finally broke his Blackpool duck with a gritty 10-8 win over former champion Peter Wright. Having lost in the opening round in his four previous appearances, the Dutchman held off a late surge from the two-time world champion to secure a memorable maiden victory on this stage.

Mike De Decker also joined the winners’ circle, defeating Dave Chisnall 10-7 to earn his first World Matchplay win. The Belgian produced a clinical finish, taking out 104 and 148 in consecutive legs to turn the match around from 7-6 down.

Looking ahead to Monday night’s action, all eyes will be on the blockbuster clash between three-time champion Michael van Gerwen and fellow Dutch icon Raymond van Barneveld. The pair meet in one of the most anticipated first-round matches in recent memory.

2022 finalist Gerwyn Price also begins his campaign against Daryl Gurney, while Chris Dobey faces Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko and Ross Smith takes on World Cup winner Josh Rock in what promises to be another action-packed evening in Blackpool.

Littler Lights Up Blackpool as Seeds Tumble on Drama-Packed Day Two

2025 Betfred World Matchplay

Sunday July 20

Afternoon Session

First Round x4

Andrew Gilding 12-10 Damon Heta

Dirk van Duijvenbode 10-8 Rob Cross

Jermaine Wattimena 10-8 Peter Wright

Mike De Decker 10-7 Dave Chisnall

Evening Session

First Round x4

Gary Anderson 10-5 Luke Woodhouse

Jonny Clayton 10-7 Martin Schindler

Luke Littler 10-2 Ryan Searle

Stephen Bunting 10-8 Ryan Joyce