Luke Littler will face Niko Springer to defend his World Match Play title from July 18-26 at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, live on Sky Sports.
Littler won the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy after beating James Wade 18-13 in last year’s final, coming back from 5-0 down to pull off a thrilling comeback to become just the fifth player in history to complete the ‘triple crown’.
If Littler can retain the trophy, he will become the first player to win back-to-back titles for Blackpool since Michael van Gerwen in 2015.
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Watch Luke Littler’s triumphant moment as he clinched his first World Match Play title with an 18-13 victory over former youngest champion James Wade.
second seed Luke Humphreys Match play begins with a mouth-watering tie. Cameron Menzieswhile Van Gerwen stereotypical face Andrew Gilding.
Other notable ties include: Nathan Aspinall against joe cullen, Josh Rock big Luke Woodhouseand Johnny Clayton oppose Damon Heta.
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Luke Littler shares his reaction after winning the World Match Play title and becoming the competition’s youngest champion.
The event will feature the top 16 players from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder and the top 16 players from the ProTour rankings for the year.
The prize money for the 2026 competition has been increased to £1m and the winner will receive £225,000.
draw
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In the World Match Play final, Luke Littler almost hit his second nine-dart of the tournament when he missed the eighth dart of the leg.
(1) Luke Littler vs. Nico Springer
(16) Nathan Aspinall v. Joe Cullen
(8) Josh Rock vs. Luke Woodhouse
(9) Stephen Bunting v. Nils Sonneveld
(4) Michael van Gerwen v Andrew Gilding
(13) Chris Dobey v Dirk van Duijvenbode
(5) Johnny Clayton v. Damon Hetta
(12) Gary Anderson v. Ryan Joyce
(2) Luke Humphries vs Cameron Menzies
(15) Ross Smith v Kevin Dotz
(7) Gerwin Price v. Martin Schindler
(10) Danny Noffert v. Rob Cross
(3) Gian van Veen in Krzysztof Ratajska
(14) Bessel Nyman v. Dave Chisnall
(6) James Wade v. Jermaine Wattimina
(11) Ryan Searle v. William O’Connor
Top 16 qualifiers from Werner Ladder
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Luke Littler’s perfect legs compared to a vintage nine-darter made my Michael Smith win the 2023 World Darts Championship.
1. Luke Littler
2. Luke Humphreys
3. Gian Van Binh
4. Michael van Gerwen
5. Johnny Clayton
6. James Wade
7. Gerwin Price
8. Josh Rock
9. Stephen Bunting
10. Danny Noppert
11. Ryan Sully
12. Gary Anderson
13. Chris Dovey
14. Bessel Naiman
15. Ross Smith
16. Nathan Aspinall
ProTour Rankings Top 16 Qualifiers
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Highlights from Luke Littler’s performance against Josh Rock in the World Match Play semifinals.
Luke Woodhouse
Jermaine Watimena
Kevin Dotz
Andrew Gilding
rob cross
Krzysztof Ratajski
William O’Connor
Nico Springer
Nils Sonneveld
Martin Schindler
ryan joyce
Dirk van Duijvenbode
Cameron Menzies
joe cullen
Damon Heta
Dave Cheesenall
When will Sky Sports World Match Play be broadcast live?
World Match Play begins on Saturday, July 18th and ends on Sunday, July 26th.
All 9 days of events are displayed. Sky Sports live broadcastOpening Day coverage begins at 7pm on Sky Sports+. Haven’t you seen Sky? Get instant access NOW
