Luke Littler narrowly misses out on World Matchplay Darts record after beating Ryan Searle in 16 MINUTES
The teen sensation won his first-ever clash on the Winter Gardens stage, smashing Heavy Metal 10-2 in Blackpool on Sunday.
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Littler delivered an average of 108.92, just short of Phil Taylor's 114.99 - but after five legs was flying at 121.21 per three darts.
He said: 'It's been an up and down season so far. World Cup didn't go to plan for me and Luke (Humphries), tough conditions.
'But now it's the Matchplay and you're battling it out with the best in the world.'
Littler flew out of the blocks, ripping into a 5-0 lead in just SEVEN MINUTES and hitting five out of six shots on the doubles.
It took Searle six legs to get a double on the board after The Nuke piled on the pressure including a 126 checkout but his finishing just dipped off slightly in the latter stages.
Littler told Sky Sports: "I was well up for it tonight, I just wanted to get that win, get that winning feeling and I did it.
"I'm so glad to get that win, get that winning feeling and I can't wait to come back.
"I felt very comfortable, I have been practising so much. I've just been putting in hours and hours. I'm glad it's paid off.
"All eyes are on me now, just take it game by game… I can't wait to get back on stage."
Gary Anderson also put in a comprehensive showing to secure a 10-5 win over Luke Woodhouse.
Anderson progresses to play Stephen Bunting, who scraped through with a 10-8 win against Ryan Joyce.
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Luke Littler produced an impressive 11-dart leg to seal a 16-14 victory over Andrew Gilding in their Betfred World Matchplay quarter-final. The world champion never went behind and produced a 103.91 average to set up a semi-final against Josh Rock at Blackpool. Littler had a five-leg advantage at one point in the contest, during which he produced 18 maximums. You lot got your moneys worth again😅😂 over the line and into the semi finals🫡 — Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) July 25, 2025 However, Gilding set up a tense finish – with a 160 finish the highlight of a three-leg streak by the former UK Open champion. Littler, 18, said afterwards: '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 tie-break, so to hit an 11-darter with back-to-back 180s was class.' Rock managed a 104.02 average in his 16-11 win over Gerwyn Price, the fourth quarter-final to be played at the Winter Gardens. The victor said afterwards: 'I can't wait to finally play Luke on the big stage. The darting world will be watching that game. '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.' Saturday's other best-of-33 leg semi-final sees James Wade face Jonny Clayton.
