Luke Littler dominates Niko Springer in World Matchplay opener
Luke Littler kicked off his World Matchplay title defence in stunning fashion on Saturday night, dismantling Germany’s Niko Springer 10-6 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, reports BritPanorama.
The 19-year-old from Warrington found himself level at 5-5 with the world number 43 at the second break, but then shifted into another gear entirely. Littler rattled off five of the final six legs, finishing with a remarkable 109.53 average and seven maximums to send a clear message to his rivals.
His scoring in those closing stages was particularly devastating, averaging over 123 across the last six legs of the contest. “It felt good, it felt very nice,” Littler told Sky Sports afterwards. “The first five legs were okay and then when I came back off the break I felt really good.”
The world number one admitted he was frustrated not to have the lead at the interval, but credited his opponent before explaining his turnaround. “It was a bit annoying not being in the lead, but Niko played his part. I found another gear and finished it off,” he said.
Littler also showed his playful side, joking with a fan holding a sign about the England job: “I’ll be the next England manager.” His ambitions remain crystal clear: “I want to win every major this year.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Bunting’s evening was far more dramatic, as the ninth seed scraped through a nail-biting 13-12 thriller against Dutch debutant Niels Zonneveld. The Liverpudlian looked comfortable at 8-5 ahead, but Zonneveld launched an incredible fightback, stringing together two ten-dart legs and a stunning 164 finish to draw level.
The Dutchman then took the lead for the first time and had three darts to seal an 11-9 upset, but couldn’t convert any of them. Bunting responded with a brilliant 118 checkout to force extra time, then broke throw in the sudden-death decider to escape with victory.
Littler will now face Nathan Aspinall in round two on Tuesday, after the 16th seed impressed with a 10-5 victory over Joe Cullen, hitting nine 180s and averaging 105.32. Josh Rock also progressed comfortably, beating Luke Woodhouse 10-4 despite the Northern Irishman admitting he wasn’t at his best. Woodhouse struggled badly, missing 20 darts at double throughout the match.
As the tournament unfolds, the anticipation builds, with Sunday’s action featuring some heavyweight clashes, including three-time champion Michael van Gerwen against Andrew Gilding, while 2018 winner Gary Anderson faces Ryan Joyce and former runner-up Jonny Clayton meets Damon Heta. In this unpredictable sport, the stakes are only set to rise.
