logo
Impressive Littler eases into Matchplay last 16

Impressive Littler eases into Matchplay last 16

Yahoo3 days ago
World champion Luke Littler eased into the second round of the World Matchplay in Blackpool with a comfortable 10-2 win over Ryan Searle.
The 18-year-old's maiden appearance at the Winter Gardens last year had resulted in a first-round defeat by Michael van Gerwen and he was keen to amends this time around.
He was too good for Searle from the outset, winning the first four legs with only 48 darts and he finished with a superb average of 108.92 and 52.6% on his checkouts.
The world number 19 had no answer to the onslaught from Littler who avoided the fate that befell world number one Luke Humphries who was beaten in his opening match on Saturday.
"I felt very comfortable out there," Littler told Sky Sports. "I was well up for tonight and I'm just so glad to get that win and that winning feeling.
"As people know, I'm not a practiser, but I've been practising for this one and putting in more time at home. I'm glad it has paid off and I can't wait to come back for the next game."
Littler's opponent in the last 16 will be Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena who beat 2021 champion Peter Wright 10-8.
Rob Cross, the 2019 winner also bowed out after a 10-8 loss to Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode but the 2018 champion Gary Anderson beat Luke Woodhouse 10-5 to advance.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Liverpool set to hand new deals to duo amid squad reshuffle
Liverpool set to hand new deals to duo amid squad reshuffle

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Liverpool set to hand new deals to duo amid squad reshuffle

Liverpool Show Faith in Youth as Stephenson and McConnell Enter Contract Talks Academy core remains part of Slot's long-term plan While the headlines swirl around Liverpool's aggressive summer recruitment, another key strand of the club's strategy is unfolding more quietly. According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are in talks with academy products Luca Stephenson and James McConnell over new contracts. These discussions are not glamorous, but they matter. Amid the £170 million already spent on marquee names like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, and with Hugo Ekitike on the brink of joining, the club's commitment to its academy continues to run deep. For all the global scouting and big-money deals, Liverpool still understand the value of homegrown development. Stephenson earns his opportunity Luca Stephenson, 21, returned from a successful loan spell at Dundee United with his stock significantly higher. Slot named him in Liverpool's 29-man squad for the pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan, and the midfielder has already featured in the opening friendlies. Photo: IMAGO '[It was] a little bit [of a surprise], yeah. A little bit,' Stephenson told about being included in the tour squad. 'So, it feels kind of even better to feel like you're with more senior boys and learning from more senior players.' After 34 appearances and three goals in Scotland last season, his inclusion is a deserved reward. Stephenson's energy, intelligence and work rate have not gone unnoticed. McConnell set for loan after injury setback James McConnell, 20, is also in line for a new contract. He missed the pre-season tour through injury, but remains part of the club's longer-term vision. A loan move is being arranged to ensure he gets valuable first-team football next season. Photo: IMAGO McConnell showed flashes of quality last term and has impressed coaches with his versatility in midfield. A year out on loan could unlock his full potential and offer Liverpool another reliable option from within. Contract renewals maintain squad balance While the futures of senior players like Ibrahima Konate, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz remain uncertain, these youth extensions provide stability and continuity. Slot's system relies on tactical understanding and adaptability, traits more easily instilled in players raised through the club's own philosophy. These aren't headline moves, but they reflect smart planning. Amid all the noise of transfer speculation, Stephenson and McConnell's negotiations reinforce Liverpool's continued focus on building from the ground up. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis It is refreshing to see the club not only splashing the cash but also staying true to its roots. Players like Luca Stephenson and James McConnell represent the work being done behind the scenes, the sessions at Kirkby, and the graft that goes unseen while cameras flash for the high-profile arrivals. Stephenson's inclusion on the Asia tour feels significant. It is not just a pat on the back, it is a vote of confidence. With 34 games under his belt last season, he is no longer a rookie. There's a chance for him to become a reliable squad option if he continues this trajectory. McConnell's injury is a setback, but the fact Liverpool are still pressing ahead with a contract renewal tells you how highly they rate him. Loaning him out, as long as it is the right environment, is the smart step. The modern game demands depth, flexibility and trust in the pathway. These renewals show Liverpool are not losing sight of that. Big signings win the headlines, but homegrown players often win the respect of the fanbase. And right now, both sides of the club are delivering.

Grimsby sign experienced goalkeeper Pym
Grimsby sign experienced goalkeeper Pym

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Grimsby sign experienced goalkeeper Pym

Grimsby Town have signed former Mansfield Town goalkeeper Christy Pym on a two-year deal. The 30-year-old was a free agent after leaving the Stags earlier this summer. Pym began his career with Exeter City, playing more than 150 league games for the Grecians, before spending four years at Peterborough and then joining Mansfield. He won promotion to the Championship with Posh in 2020-21 and was part of the Stags team that went up from League Two in third place in 2023-24. "He's a winner who knows how to get out of this league and we hope he'll be a real pivotal signing for us," boss David Artell told the club website. Transfers - July 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store