Luke Littler hammers Ryan Searle at World Matchplay
Littler, the second seed at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, looked like a man in a hurry as he raced into a 6-0 lead.
And, although Searle was able to get on the board late on, there was never going to be any way back against Littler, who averaged nearly 109.
Darting demolition job from Luke Littler! ☢️
What a way to celebrate your first win at the Betfred World Matchplay!
The World Champion averages 108.92 to demolish Ryan Searle in brutal fashion! #MatchplayDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/6ttg4jhHwA
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025
'I was well up for tonight,' Littler said on Sky Sports. 'I wanted that win, to get that winning feeling and I've done it in some standard.'
After revealing earlier this week he had failed his driving theory test for a fourth time, Littler said he has not been doing his homework for that as he has been keeping his focus on his game, adding: 'I've got a competition to focus on.'
He said: 'I've been practising so much. Obviously I've not put much on social media, but I've been at home putting the hours in, hours and hours, and I'm glad it's paid off tonight.'
World number four Stephen Bunting survived a dogfight with Ryan Joyce to advance with a 10-8 victory.
The moment Stephen Bunting sealed victory over Ryan Joyce… #WorldMatchplay | @sbunting180 pic.twitter.com/eO5LisyHo0
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025
Joyce came from 8-4 down to level the contest at 8-8 when Bunting appeared to be distracted while looking to close out from 45, and was then a whisker away from going 9-8 up as he narrowly missed double five.
Bunting responded with a 180 and then checked out from 41 to secure his progress, but could not hide his frustration.
'I'm so disappointed,' he said. 'We had a battle last year. Thankfully I've not gone the distance this year and I've saved a bit of energy for the next round. We go on, we're in the next round.'
Clayton wins a cracker! 🏴
2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton defies a 103 average from Martin Schindler to win through a terrific first round tie at the Empress Ballroom! #MatchplayDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/122qo4SHKX
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025
Fifth seed Jonny Clayton survived a tough contest against Martin Schindler to prevail 10-7, despite the German putting up better numbers for much of the contest.
Clayton's average was 99.60 compared to Schindler's 103.45 but the Welshman picked his moments to advance.
'I am here, I want to win this tournament,' Clayton said. 'Hopefully it is going to be my week. I love it when I pass the first round.'
CLAYTON WINS A THRILLER!
Jonny Clayton has won a thriller here in Blackpool!
The Ferret beats Martin Schindler 10-7 to book his place in the second round against Mike De Decker!
📺 https://t.co/ZboV9dF4Ji #MatchplayDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/TBfCXoBYfs
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025
Earlier 13th seed Gary Anderson saw off Luke Woodhouse 10-5 despite a spectacular 167 checkout from the Englishman.
Four seeds were sent home during Sunday's afternoon session as further shocks followed Saturday's exits of top seed Luke Humphries and eighth seed Nathan Aspinall.
Seventh seed Damon Heta fell to Andrew Gilding in a contest that went to overtime, with Gilding eventually prevailing 12-10 after a late fightback came to nothing for Heta.
Gilding advances to face Dirk van Duijvenbode, who saw off 10th seed Rob Cross 10-8 after rallying from 6-2 down in a remarkable contest.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
World Matchplay Darts 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Wade clashes Clayton before Littler takes on Rock in HUGE night of semis action
THE World Matchplay is heading towards a thrilling conclusion at the iconic Blackpool Winter Gardens - and Luke Littler is THROUGH to the semi-final! Teenage sensation Luke Littler will take on Josh Rock in the final four, with the World Cup winner already taking out Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen in the tournament. Jonny Clayton is also set to meet James Wade in the first of the semi-finals tonight. Blackpool is guaranteed to see a new winner, as last year's champion Luke Humphries suffered a SHOCK first round exit against Gian van Veen. 16 minutes ago By Alex Smith 'Not afraid anymore' Could success in Blackpool be just the beginning for Josh Rock? Rock admitted he used to be "scared to win" when he first burst onto the scene. But he now says: "I feed off it. I've had semi-finals, a World Cup win. I'm not afraid anymore. "Two years ago, I wouldn't have even been sat here talking about a semi-final. "But once you've won a major on TV — especially on Sky Sports, which everyone looks at as the main one — it changes everything. "I know my ability, but I'm still only 24. There's more to come.' 56 minutes ago By Alex Smith Price's classy gesture Gerwyn Price gave Josh Rock a hug after he was beaten by the Northern Irishman last night. Asked what the former world champion said to him as they exchanged words, Rock revealed: "He squeezed me and said, 'Josh, well done, son. I really hope you go and win this.' "That meant a lot. He didn't have to say that.' Today, 16:50 By Alex Smith Ex-darts ace brokers Rashford move Marcus Rashford's loan move from Manchester United to Barcelona was brokered by a former darts player. Simon Leaf, who is in charge of a law firm's sport division, was drafted in by Rashford's brother and agent Dwaine Maynard to help with the financial details. Back in 2005, Leaf played at the World Darts Championship and he also had a spell as a football referee. Today, 16:00 By Alex Smith 'I'm one of the best' James Wade oozed confidence ahead of his semi-final against Jonny Clayton tonight. Wade boldly talked himself up, saying: 'I'm probably one of the best dart players that's walked the planet in the last 20 years. 'Everyone forgets I've played John Lowe, Cliff Lazarenko, all these names that have put this game where it is. 'I'm really thankful and grateful to have played a part and contributed to where darts is now and I'm happy to still be here and be a part of it. 'I think I've got another five to ten years at this. "I'll do whatever I need to do because I can do it and I have been for 20-odd years.' Today, 15:10 By Alex Smith 'I'm here to win' Jonny Clayton says he "has that hunger back" ahead of his semi-final against Jame Wade tonight. The extra motivated Welshman said: 'It hurts that I've gone from world number five to number nine as when you're there, people respect you that little bit more. "I'm here to try and win the tournament. "I'm one step from the final and two wins from a big trophy so I'm going to try my best and hopefully I can beat James." Today, 14:20 By Alex Smith Rock solid Josh Rock dispatched Gerwyn Price 16-11 last night after knocking out Michael van Gerwen in the previous round. Typically, Rock is at home by the Blackpool seaside and he is ready for his blockbuster against Luke Littler. The Northern Irish star said yesterday: "I'm on cloud nine at the minute. 'I can't wait to finally play Luke on the big stage. The darting world will be watching that game tomorrow. 'Luke is one of my close friends behind the scenes. Hopefully we both turn up, but I'm sure it will be a cracking game. 'I'm just so relieved to be in the semi-finals. "Gezzy played really well tonight too, he never gave up, but wow – what a game.' Today, 13:27 By Alex Smith Littler reacts Luke Littler battled past Andrew Gilding 16-14 to make the semi-finals last night. After a close-fought match, The Nuke said: 'I just had to stay focused, and I'm so glad to get over the line. 'Andrew is a top player. He fought back really well, and that's why he's a major champion. 'He's such a tough opponent, but I didn't panic. "I missed a few doubles at times, but my scoring power was really strong tonight. 'The atmosphere was unbelievable. I really didn't want to go to a tiebreak, so to hit an 11-darter with back-to-back 180s was class.' Today, 12:36 By James Orr Littler hits back at Anderson Luke Littler has pushed back on Gary Anderson's comments labelling young darts stars as 'boring.' Anderson, 54, lashed out at young players' attitudes in his post-match interview after beating Luke Woodhouse at the World Matchplay last Sunday. Anderson said: "The youngsters are boring. Absolutely boring. "You talk to them, they're too busy looking at their phone. "They're sitting on their phones with their bloody earphones in. Don't talk to you. It's a completely different life." Littler gave his blunt, tongue-in-cheek response in a press conference at the World Matchplay. He said: "A lot of us players, we just get on with our thing. "Like Gary Anderson said, we're boring so that's what we do." Today, 11:32 By James Orr Littler friendship put on hold Luke Littler is facing his friend Josh Rock tonight in what stands to be a mammoth semi-final. Littler said: "As soon as you're on the stage, you're no one's friend and you're there to do a job." "We've been good friends now for quite a while. He has been playing really good darts for quite a few months." Today, 10:24 By James Orr Today's matches It is semi-final day in Blackpool! And what a couple of semi-finals we have in store. Here are the scheduled timings for the big one today: James Wade vs Jonny Clayton (8.10pm) Josh Rock vs Luke Littler (9.40pm) Today, 09:00 By Craig Mahood Good morning darts fans! We're down to the final four as one of Luke Littler, Josh Rock, Jonny Clayton and James Wade will be crowned Matchplay champion tomorrow night. Littler and Rock came through the quarter finals last night, with the latter in particular dazzling on the Winter Gardens stage. The close friends will meet in one of tonight's semis, with Wade and Clayton going toe-to-toe in the other. We also finally got our first 170 checkout of this year's tournament, coming courtesy of Gerwyn Price who was subsequently dumped out by Rock. All to play for then for all four gents. Today, 08:43 By James Orr Loved-up Littler Luke Littler planted a kiss on new girlfriend Faith as the darts star continued his quest to become the youngest ever Triple Crown holder. The world champion, 18, reached his first ever Winter Gardens semi-final after beating Andrew Gilding 16-14 in Blackpool last night. As the packed arena roared, and the tension built for his crucial clash, the camera panned to Littler making his grand entrance. And his partner Faith Millar, 19, looked every inch the proud girlfriend. Just before stepping on to the oche, Littler leaned in and gave Faith a tender smooch right there in front of thousands of screaming fans and millions watching live on TV. It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment of affection that immediately sent social media into a frenzy, with fans cooing over the couple's cute display. Today, 08:00 By Craig Mahood Banked Not only is the prize of being World Matchplay champion up for grabs, the money isn't half bad either! The four semi finalists have all bagged themselves at least £50,000 for reaching this stage. The runner-up will go on to receive £100,000 with the winner banking a whopping £200,000! That's 25% of the £800,000 prize money put up before an arrow was thrown. Today, 07:00 Record breaker Luke Littler broke another record and insisted he didn't 'panic' after another World Matchplay nail-biter. The teen sensation reached his first-ever Winter Gardens semi-final after narrowly outgunning Andrew Gilding 16-14 in Blackpool last night. Littler, 18, appeared to be cruising at 14-9 but Goldfinger found his range with three legs on the bounce to make it a tight finale. The Nuke had his power-scoring to thank as he rattled in 18 180s - a record for a Matchplay quarter-final. He said: 'They got their monies worth. I think they wanted it at 15-15 all. 'But that last leg, I just had to stay focused, get over the line, he won a few on the bounce whilst I was sat on 15 legs. But I just had to do a professional job at the end. 'I didn't really panic. Andrew obviously, leg by leg, really started to win a few on the trot, but that last leg there against the darts as well. 'I just had to get over the line. I think they are my friends now but they were Andrew's friends a minute ago. 'He played his part, some funny faces. It's, very tough, because he does what he does. He never, never goes out of rhythm. It's the same throw by throw. I just had to find the rhythm to try and match him. 'I'll be watching the semi-final. I'm sure, I'm sure they're in for a treat. It's gonna be fireworks. But I'm just happy to win and progress to the semi-final.' Today, 05:00 By Katherine Walsh Luke of love Luke Littler planted a kiss on new girlfriend Faith as the darts star continued his quest to become the youngest ever Triple Crown holder. The world champion, 18, reached his first ever Winter Gardens semi-final after beating Andrew Gilding 16-14 in Blackpool on Friday night. As the packed arena roared, and the tension built for his crucial clash, the camera panned to Littler making his grand entrance. And his partner Faith Millar, 19, looked every inch the proud girlfriend. Just before stepping on to the oche, Littler leaned in and gave Faith a tender smooch right there in front of thousands of screaming fans and millions watching live on TV. Today, 03:00 By Craig Mahood Latest odds The winner of the tournament will come from the second semi final later tonight, the bookmakers reckon. Luke Littler remains the odds-on favourite, but it's semi final opponent Josh Rock who is his nearest challenger in the betting markets. Luke Littler 8/11 Josh Rock 11/4 Jonny Clayton 5/1 James Wade 8/1 Today, 01:00 By Craig Mahood Fish caught We've been made to wait for the big fish in Blackpool. There has been at least one thrown every year since 2016 and it was getting to the stage we thought it might never happen. Step forward Gerwyn Price. Though it's very, very little consolation in a night he lost to Josh Rock! By Craig Mahood Close friends We've waited a while for a Luke Littler vs Josh Rock match-up and we finally get it on Saturday night. On that match-up, Rock told Sky Sports: "It's finally happened so the whole world will be watching that game tomorrow night. "Littler is one of my close friends behind the scenes. We're texting each other all the time so I hope we're not too respectful and we both turn up. It's going to be a cracking game. "Me and Littler are very, very close." 25th Jul 2025, 23:20 By Craig Mahood World Matchplay darts 2025 Semi final line-up James Wade vs Jonny Clayton Luke Littler vs Josh Rock 25th Jul 2025, 23:00 By Craig Mahood Rock buzzing A delighted Josh Rock told Sky Sports: "Wow! What a game. I wasn't doing anything wrong. Just kept plugging away playing your own game. "Gezzy didn't let me off. I just had to come out that [last] session and wake up. "The form Gezzy has been in lately, you know what to expect. That was a tough game." 25th Jul 2025, 22:54 By Craig Mahood What a finish! Sensational from Josh Rock, really, really good. Sporting from Gerwyn Price as the pair share a long hug and a chat after Rock's wild celebration. Huge performance.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Irish rugby legend Ronan O'Gara gets POOED ON live on Sky Sports after Lions' epic comeback win over Australia
RONAN O'GARA was given an unwelcome gift by a bird while LIVE on air. Irish rugby legend O'Gara was working as a pundit for Sky Sports during the British and Irish Lions clash with Australia earlier today. 5 5 5 5 5 However, a winged viewer flying by decided that the 48-year-old's coat needed some extra decoration. And while he stood alongside colleagues discussing Hugo Keenan's last-gasp winning try, Will Greenwood spotted that O'Gara had been POOED on. He said: "Oh a bird has just pooed on Ronan." The group then shared a laugh at O'Gara's expense as he frantically tried to find where Greenwood had pointed it out. A voice can then be heard saying: "That's lucky for some but not for Ronan." Fans behind the panel also poked fun at O'Gara for the unfortunate incident. Greenwood then adds: "La Rochelle are going to win the European Cup." O'Gara eventually laughs off the incident, though we expect his coat to receive some TLC to remove the poo. And while the unusual present might not be seen as too lucky by O'Gara, the Lions certainly did find some luck in their match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They moved 2-0 over Australia in the series, but only after coming back from 26-17 down in the 53rd minute. Keenan's late winner has now set the scene for a potential clean sweep when the sides clash again at the weekend.
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Celtic Park undergoes two major upgrades as Hoops await another transfer windfall
The Hoops have splashed out behind the scenes over the summer as they modernise their iconic ground Celtic haven't exactly loosened the purse strings on the park. But off it? The Parkhead board have been splashing out behind the scenes. The home of the champions has undergone a modern makeover as the Hoops continue to upgrade their iconic ground ahead of the new season. A revamped technical area has seen new raised dugouts installed at pitch level, giving Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff a slicker vantage point. Extra seats have also been added to both benches, while two separate entry and exit points have improved access. Record Sport understands Celtic have also carried out refurb work inside the south stand, with hospitality lounges and player areas given a fresh lick. Meanwhile, the club could be in line for a surprise summer cash boost with Josip Juranovic attracting interest from the English Premier League. The Croatian World Cup semi-finalist was sold to Union Berlin for around £7.5million in January 2023, but has continued to impress in the Bundesliga – with Fulham and Brentford now reportedly keen. The German side are likely to command a significant fee for the 29-year-old, and Celts are set to benefit thanks to a sell-on clause inserted in the original deal - similar to the one that saw them rake in a cut of Jeremie Frimpong's £35m move to Liverpool earlier this summer. Elsewhere, Stephen Welsh is back in full training after fears he could require surgery on a recurring shoulder injury picked up in July's 2-1 Cork Super Cup win. The injury-hit defender is expected to move on this summer, but could feature in Celtic's final pre-season clash against Al Ahli in the Como Cup. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp, where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
