Luke Littler hits incredible nine-dart finish after ‘perfect leg'
The 18-year-old world champion had been trailing 6-1 to Josh Rock before he turned on the style to eventually storm to a 17-14 victory. It was the nine-darter, however, that helped turn around his fortunes that will live long in the memory. Rock had also been on track with maximum scores as Blackpool's Winter Gardens were treated to a perfect 15-dart leg.
9-DARTER 🚨
An unbelievable leg of darts from Luke Littler and Josh Rock 🤯 pic.twitter.com/vuLbGjKIev
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) July 26, 2025
Littler celebrated with just a shrug, but commentator Wayne Mardle demonstrated levels of enthusiasm not seen since his 'I can't speak!' viral moment during the famous Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen nine-darter in 2023. 'That is the second-best leg you will ever see in your life,' said the Sky Sports pundit this time.
Littler set up a World Matchplay final against James Wade on Sunday after the incredible leg against Rock who had been in commanding form before the teenager demonstrated his unique ability.
'It definitely sparked me into life. I didn't want to give it big because I was playing awfully,' said Littler, explaining why his celebration afterwards was relatively muted.
He added that he had 'no idea' where he summoned such a leg, having been off the pace early on. 'I didn't think about anything,' he said. 'I just knew the route. As soon as that treble 20 went in, I knew what was next. I didn't celebrate because I was still annoyed with myself, but yeah, I think if I gave it a bit of emotion maybe I might have dropped off a bit. But once that nine-darter went in, I picked it up and played a lot better.'
A showdown with Wade, 42, now awaits after his 20-18 win over Wales' Jonny Clayton in an epic encounter. Littler could become only the fifth player to win the Triple Crown, after Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Luke Humphries.
The world champion added: 'I've won many finals and majors but this is the big one now, it all comes down to Sunday.'
The nine-darter rivals the demonstration of skill from Smith in the 2023 World Championship final after Van Gerwen just missed with his ninth dart following eight perfect throws. Littler's feat was the 10th nine-darter at the tournament, which started in 1994, and the first this year.
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