LITTLER TARGETS WORLD MATCHPLAY REDEMPTION MISSION

LUKE LITTLER admits his aim is to “win a game” at the World Matchplay after a shock first round exit last year.  

Five-times major winner Littler headed to Winter Gardens as favourite to land the title but suffered defeat at the hands of Michael van Gerwen. 

‘The Nuke’ is keen to right the wrongs ahead of his second appearance at the major. 

He said: “I want to pick up as many trophies as I can, but first of all, I want to win a game at the Winter Gardens.  

“So, win that first game and then see how it goes from there.” 

Teen sensation Littler will be looking to erase the crushing nature of the loss from his mind when he steps up to the oche after throwing away a 2-1 lead against MVG in Blackpool. 

World No. 3 Van Gerwen then broke back before winning the next three legs and securing a 5-2 advantage. 

Warrington thrower Littler attempted to stage a comeback of his own, but Van Gerwen’s stellar 146 checkout put him on course to secure a 10-6 triumph. 

Former pro and pundit Wayne Mardle questioned Littler’s performance and focus on the night. 

He admitted: “Michael started OK, then went off the boil. Luke won the next two legs and was 2-1 up, then Van Gerwen was in a hole. He wasn’t playing well. Then it all changed. 

“I don’t know if Littler had as much focus as Michael. There was definitely a lot of nonchalance going on. There was a last dart he wanted, he wanted 74 and threw it at T18 while walking. It was all too unfocused, uncaring. Of course he cares… 

“I know he took out the 73 [at 8-6 down], but even that was a single 11, going for a treble and he got away with it.” 

Littler added the World Championship crown and UK Open title to his growing trophy cabinet in 2025. 

But Littler’s recent displays at the Nordic Darts Masters and Poland Darts Masters would indicate that he will need to improve if he is to lift the Phil Taylor trophy.

Image by Taylor Lanning.