Luke Littler hammers Ryan Searle on World Matchplay debut
Littler, the second seed on his first appearance at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, looked like a man in a hurry as he jumped out to 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.'
'I've been practising so much,' he said. '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.
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.
Jermaine Wattimena beat 15th seed Peter Wright 10-8 while Mike De Decker beat 12th seed Dave Chisnall 10-7.
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