Luke Littler warns darting competition after World Matchplay victory
Luke Littler has sent a warning to the rest of the darting competition after his incredible win in the World Matchplay final in Blackpool, reports BritPanorama.
The 19-year-old, known as The Nuke, delivered a remarkable performance against Gerwyn Price, achieving an average of 111.53 during the final, which raised his tournament average to 111.04. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Phil Taylor of 106.31.
Littler also set a new record for the most 180s scored in a tournament, hitting 66 this year, surpassing his own record of 64 set in 2025. Despite this extraordinary display, he remarked that he “can still get better.”
“I can get a lot better. Throughout the matches, I was up to a 120 average at one point, and I didn’t make it stick. Maybe in a few years’ time, I will stick it and go up to a 120 average,” Littler said. He emphasized his recent successes but maintained that his journey is just beginning, stating, “We’re still only two-and-a-half years into my professional career. It’s far from done.”
Littler has managed to secure every major title thus far this year and expressed his determination to retain his Matchplay trophy. “I wanted to win this trophy more than anything, go back to back, put my name on that list, and that’s what I’ve done,” he said, acknowledging a different mindset entering the event.
In the final, Price, who averaged 104.97, praised Littler, calling him “one in a million.” The Welshman noted missed opportunities during the match, particularly a pivotal 167 checkout, reflecting on the competition with a mix of admiration and disappointment, saying, “I didn’t play brilliantly, but I played decently.”
Littler’s ambition extends beyond the Matchplay, as he seeks to claim victory in every PDC televised event this year. Currently, he is outside the top 64 required to qualify for the Players Championship Finals after a year off, prompting him to reconsider holiday plans to ensure participation in upcoming ProTours in Leicester.
This relentless pursuit of excellence illustrates how even in triumph, the drive for improvement never wanes — a sentiment echoed by Littler’s commitment to remaining at the top of his game.
