LUKE LITTLER DEFENDS WORLD MATCHPLAY DARTS TITLE WITH FIRST-ROUND WIN

Luke Littler won his opening match at the World Matchplay Darts tournament, defeating Niko Springer of Germany 10-6 at Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Littler trailed 3-2 after the first break before recovering to claim five of the final six legs. The world number one hit seven 180s during the match and recorded an average of 109.53.

Littler, who won the tournament 12 months ago, has also triumphed in the first three majors of 2026. Springer kept pace with Littler until the score reached 5-5, but the top seed pulled clear in the closing stages. In other first-round matches, Stephen Bunting of England defeated Niels Zonneveld of the Netherlands 13-12 after surviving three match-darts. Josh Rock beat fellow Englishman Luke Woodhouse 10-4, and Nathan Aspinall won an all-English encounter against Joe Cullen 10-5.

The competition offers total prize money of £1m, with the winner receiving £225,000. Littler told reporters after the match that his performance improved substantially after the first break. He said: "The first five legs were okay and then when I came back off the break I felt really good. It was bit annoying not going into the second break with the lead. Niko played his part but I found another gear and finished it off."