‘I'm glad it's paid off' – Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record
The teen sensation won his first-ever clash on the
Winter
Gardens stage,
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1
Luke Littler came close to another record after beating Ryan Searle in 16 minutes on Sunday
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The 17-year-old said: 'I'm just so glad to get that win here. I wanted to just get it done.
'I felt very comfortable. I've been practising so much. I've not done much on social media. I've just been putting in the hours and hours.
'I'm glad it's paid off tonight. It's been two hours a day.
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'I was here watching Luke (Humphries) last night. I just wanted to come here and get another feel for it.
'I'm still a fan, I'll still come and watch, even if I'm not playing on the night.'
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.
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Littler's opponent in the last 16 will be Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena who beat 2021 champion Peter Wright 10-8.
Littler lost to Michael van Gerwen on his
Blackpool
debut in 2024 but his showing against 'Heavy Metal' was simply spectacular.
Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record
The reigning world champion is renowned for his lack of practice on the board outside of tournaments, often not throwing darts in between being on the stage.
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But Littler is determined to add this major to his cabinet.
If he does, he completes the darting 'Triple Crown' of the World Matchplay, World Darts
Championship
, and Premier League.
That is fate only completed by Taylor, Van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries.
World Matchplay Darts 2025
BLACKPOOL will be the home of darts for the next week as the World Matchplay returns!
There has already been huge drama in round one of the tournament with SIX of the 16 players already out.
A new champions is now also guaranteed after Luke Humphries crashed out in his tournament opener against Gian van Veen.
There will be darts action every night this week ahead of the big final on Sunday.
LIVE - Follow all the action from the World Matchplay 2025
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