Luke Littler shows that he is ‘world champion for a reason’ with epic draw gains on the World Matchplay | DART NEWS

Luke Littler shows that he is 'world champion for a reason' with epic draw gains on the World Matchplay | DART NEWS

When Luke Littler’s favorite D10 spread into the board of an epic 13-11 draw-win over Jermaine Wattimena on World Matchplay, he let a roar pointed to the star of his shirt. It was a reminder that he is “world champion for a reason”.

Littler added that star back in January as he beat Michael van Gerwen at the biggest phase of everyone at Alexandra Palace, cemented himself as the youngest world champion in history and continued his ascent.

Now he is focused on joining the exclusive club of ‘Triple Crown’ winners who have won worlds, Premier League and World Matchplay.

Phil Taylor, Van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Luke Humphries have the victory in Blackpool – with an electrifying comeback win in the second round and a quarterfinals waiting, Littler is three wins away from adding themselves to that list.

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Luke Littler disappoints Blackpool -the quantity after refusing to go after the big fish in attempting to leave a lighter finish on his next visit

When he was 7-2 down to Wattimena, it seemed that the Dutchman was producing the performance of his life to finally win the teenager. Littler said ‘not so fast’.

After ‘The Nuke’ won six legs in a row and moved 8-7 in front, he held his nerve and went into a draw with the conservatory crowd right on his side, stopped his throw and then broke Wattimena at the crucial moment to keep the dream alive.

For Littler, his celebration was a reminder that he is the best in the world “for a reason” and then can pull a fightback like the one out of the bag.

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Luke Littler speaks to Sky Sports’ Polly James shortly after his exciting draw win over Jermaine Wattimena in the World’s Matchplay

It was also a reliever with the 18-year-old who admitted that he had not felt pressure so intense since he was facing Ryan Joyce by worlds back in December, and Littler survived a scared of a 4-3 victory in the opening round for the tournament he went on to honor.

“I’m the world champion for a reason I find these gears when I need it,” he said Sky Sports.

“I haven’t felt pressure like that since the World Cup.

“I was a little nervous, but the crowd was incredible and it is on to my third game here and I have won two of them.

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Highlights in Luke Littlers Fourth Round -Camp with Ryan Joyce at World Darts Championship in 2025

“I want to get back on stage and right now I can’t wait to be in the quarterfinals.

“If I didn’t go 7-3, it would have been much harder. But yes, going 7-3 I just said to myself that you have to win at least the next two or three legs when you get back on,” he added.

“It just said to myself and said to the fans, I’m a world champion for a reason we’re coming back. And for myself, I always find these gear somewhere.

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Highlights in Luke Littler’s first round -fight against Ryan Searle in the world’s matchplay

“Of course for myself, I’d rather be blown up in the lead, as I did against Ryan Searle, but it wasn’t, and I pulled it out of the bag.

“Probably since Ryan Joyce game, I haven’t let me out of me so much since then. But it’s just good for myself to show the feeling and show that I can always find a way to get back.”

Next up for Littler in the quarterfinals is Andrew Gilding, who came through with a child storming 11-5 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode with a brilliant 100 average.

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Andrew Gilding delivered some funny answers to Sky Sports ‘Polly James’ Questions after Goldfinger defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode 11-5 on World Matchplay

‘The Nuke’ knows that ‘Goldfinger’ won’t be an easy task and he’s going to be up to another hard game in Blackpool, especially with their different styles.

“Yes, certainly will definitely be a challenge. Obviously, the pace is not there for myself,” Littler said.

“As I did when I was facing him on my first worlds, you just have to find some kind of routine that you can get into. I’m sure it will be a good game.”

Share: Littler knows who he is and have believe it

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Luke Littler gives his reaction after an excellent victory in the first round at World Matchplay

Sky Sports’ John Del on Luke Littler’s victory …

“One thing was that there were a number of legs between Jermaine Wattimena and the victory when Luke Littler was at his longest point down.

“He has been long enough, he knows he can roll out of his legs … He knows who he is and he has faith in it.

“He said there in the interview, it was the second most nervous he has ever felt. That’s quite a thing.

“The dreams of taking this title are still here.”

What is the next on World Matchplay?

Thursday July 24 At World Matchplay, watch the first two of our quarterfinals, live at Sky Sports Action and Main Event from 20:00.

In this session, Stephen Takes Bunting Jonny Clayton, and James Wade plays Gian van Veen while fighting for semi -final seats.

Watch the World Matchplay Live on Sky Sports from 19 to 27 July or stream without a contract.

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