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Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Luke Littler stuns World Matchplay Darts with one of his greatest ever comebacks against Jermaine Wattimena
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER completed one of his finest EVER comebacks to book his place in the World Matchplay Darts quarter-finals. The teen sensation came back from 7-2 behind to shoot down Jermaine 'Machine Gun' Wattimena 13-11 in a tie-break classic. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Littler stunned the Blackpool crowd to beat Wattimena Credit: Getty 3 Littler, 18, looked bang in trouble but then delivered an unplayable five minutes which propelled him to his first-ever quarters in the Winter Gardens. It went all the way to a nail-biting tie-break and Littler said: 'It just didn't go to plan. I bust the 127 then I missed my doubles. 'I was always three or four legs behind. But after the second break I say to myself 'I'm on the stage until the end, just work hard'. 'When I won I pointed to the star on my shirt, I'm a world champion for a reason. I find these gears when I need it. 'I'll be honest I've not felt pressure like that since the first round of the World Championship against Ryan Meikle. But nervous but the crowd here unbelievable.' Littler made an awful start, averaging just 80 early on as he lost the opening FOUR legs. In contrast Wattimena was averaging 104. But The Nuke finally got his first leg on the board with a stunning 100 finish and two double tops. Littler then halved the deficit with double four but Wattimena then extended his lead to 7-2 to leave the teen sensation on the ropes. At this point Littler had missed TEN efforts on doubles. The Nuke then hit a vital double 16 to narrow the gap before the second break. He gestured to the fans: 'I'm still here'. A clinical 107, 70, tops and double 10 followed for Littler to make it 8-7 and he let out a huge scream. Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record But Wattimena wasn't finished and he showed great spirit to stay with Littler to make it 9-9. The Nuke then missed one match dart before going to a tie-break. He then blew three more chances to win it but finally wrapped it up with double 10. Gerwyn Price romped into the quarters with a stunning 11-3 win over Chris Dobey. It was all one-way traffic and no dramas for the Welshman after his stage aggro with Daryl Gurney earlier in the week. 3 Littler and Wattimena enjoy a classy moment together after their epic clash Credit: SKY SPORTS Price said: 'I think I'm played well in the middle part of the game. 'The crowd were behind me which I didn't expect today after Monday. 'It was fantastic, the middle part of the game I felt I couldn't miss. I put Chris under a lot of pressure. I think he played decent in patches. 'I want to let my emotions go sometimes. It was a tough game.'
North Wales Live
6 hours ago
- Sport
- North Wales Live
Floral tributes in memory of Wrexham and Wales legend Joey Jones
This footage shows scores of floral tributes left in memory of former Wrexham, Liverpool and Wales legend Joey Jones. The much-loved ex-player passed away this week aged 70. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and affection for the ex-defender who was the first Welshman to lift the European Cup after Liverpool beat Borussia Monchengladbach, of West Germany, 3-1 in Rome in 1977. Dragons fan Thomas Lewis, known as Tomi Caws, uploaded the poignant footage commemorating the North Wales footballing hero onto his X account. The flowers lined one wall of the SToK Racecourse Stadium near the Turf pub today. Jones, who died at the age of 70, was capped 72 times by Wales and won two European Cups, a UEFA Cup and a league title at Anfield, in addition to representing Wrexham, Chelsea and Huddersfield. He made 479 appearances for the Dragons. Jones retired after the 1991-92 season. Having earned 72 caps for Wales, Jones later worked as an Under 18s and reserve team coach at Wrexham, even briefly serving as caretaker manager between the departure of Brian Flynn and Denis Smith in 2001. In later life Jones scaled back his duties at the club following heart surgery in 2002, but continued to mentor emerging talents and returned to the Red Dragons as a youth team ambassador in 2021.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Darts stars 'clash off stage' at World Matchplay as security guards forced to intervene
Things got spicy between Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney during their first round match at the World Matchplay as the Welshman claimed a feisty 10-7 victory in Blackpool Daryl Gurney and Gerwyn Price's World Matchplay barney extended off stage in Blackpool - with Gurney having to be restrained by security guards as the Welshman conducted a post-match interview. Initially the pair exchanged heated words on the oche, immediately after Price claimed a feisty 10-7 victory in their first round match. Throughout there had been a bit of needle between the pair, with booming celebrations from Price followed by similar by Gurney, appearing to mock his opponent. When Price had held off a comeback from Gurney, sealing victory with double 12, he wasn't shy to celebrate. Price screamed in joy and gave it some big fist pumps, before collecting his darts out of the board and going to shake his opponent's hand. As Price collected his darts, Gurney turned to the crowd with a furrowed brow and did a mock body shake celebration, seemingly mimicking Price again. Price approached him, shook his hand and appeared to say 'well played buddy', but the body language was anything but friendly. Gurney said something back, prompting further words from Price as he shook hands with the referees. With veins popping out of his forehead, 'The Iceman' screamed some more celebrations, triggering clear annoyance from Gurney, who chuntered away to himself while shaking his head. "Gerwyn Price was taking liberty to Daryl Gurney's mimicking of him. They're feisty characters aren't they?' Mark Webster said on Sky Sports. "Let's not take away from what was a brilliant game. Price kept it in check until he got that winning leg and Gerwyn Price gets the last laugh. That's the type of characters they are. I think Price said 'well played, buddy'." Now, Damian Vlottes, from the Dutch Darts Draait Door podcast, has claimed that Gurney was having to be restrained by security as Price took part in an interview with talkSPORT. Vlottes said: 'Gurney was literally at the door with his head round the corner. Two security guards had to hold him back. He clearly wanted to confront Price again. He came in swearing.' Vincent Van der Voort added: 'He was ready for a nice, friendly chat. He was absolutely fuming. Still insisting he did nothing wrong, that it was all on Price. 'I only spoke to Daryl afterwards. All he said was, 'I didn't do anything wrong.' He was angry, really angry. There was no calm conversation. He made it clear he's not a fan of Price. 'But I imagine Price would say the opposite. There's so much emotion involved. I don't mind it though, adds spice to the sport. As long as it doesn't turn physical, this sort of tension has its place.' Price declined to answer any questions from the media about the incident, saying instead: "Five, six, seven years ago that game probably could have got away from me and just slipped away. I've learned to just try and keep my emotions intact at key points, and I did it today. 'I think in two or three legs where my head was going to blow off, but I had to just keep it in. I just felt like I needed to keep myself composed. Sometimes I can and I was forcing not to let my emotions get the best of me, sometimes that's what happens. I can let out the emotions and then the next leg is not so good.' It isn't the first time the two players have been involved in some heated scenes at the oche, having had to be separated back in 2019 following a Premier League match in Sheffield. Back then Price had been taunting the crowd after being booed, prompting some shoving and pointed fingers.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Wrexham now want ex-Premier League striker who was at heart of 'don't care' rant
Wrexham are eyeing a seasoned former Premier League striker as manager Phil Parkinson ramps up his efforts in the summer transfer market ready for life in the Championship Wrexham have been tipped to make a swoop for a former Premier League striker as they look to mount a challenge in the Championship next season. Manager Phil Parkinson has made four signings so far this summer, including forward Ryan Hardie from Plymouth and goalkeeper Danny Ward from Leicester. He then brought in left-back Liberato Cacace from Empoli and midfielder George Thomason from Bolton, with ex-Sheffield Wednesday attacker Josh Windass also expected to join the Red Dragons this week. Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has pledged that the club will be "as aggressive as we can possibly be" in the transfer market after sealing promotion from League One in April. And Parkinson is now reported to have turned his attentions to Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore to bolster his options up front. The Wales international scored six goals in 30 appearances for the Blades in the second tier last season as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League after losing to Sunderland in the play-off final. The 32-year-old still has two years left on his contract at Bramall Lane, but United are likely to be mindful of his diminishing resale value, according to The Sheffield Star. Wrexham would be getting a player with Premier League pedigree if they did choose to sign Moore following his stint at Bournemouth. However, despite his experience, he came in for criticism from Blades fans on several occasions last term. The club's then manager Chris Wilder spoke out in Moore's defence at the time and urged supporters to get behind his players. Speaking in September last year, Wilder said of the striker: "He's a team player. We've played six games and won four and drew two. He's led the line and worked tirelessly. I really don't care where the goals come from. Just as long as we win games of football. "Expectation levels, opinion split, or behind the players, please. Let's be together, let's not start on any of that nonsense. Social media is yet again rearing its head. Get behind the boy. He gives everything for the team. "Go and ask the players. Go and ask Callum O'Hare, go and ask Gus Hamer, go and ask Harry Souttar, go and ask Alan Knill, go and ask Jack Lester, what they think of Kieffer Moore. They'd all give the same answer." He again leapt to Moore's defence after United's 2-1 Championship play-off final defeat to Sunderland in May. The Welshman came in for scrutiny for his role in Sunderland's late-winner after he lost possession in the build-up to Tommy Watson's 95th minute goal with a stray pass. But Wilder, who left the Blades in June, said Moore's season should not be defined by his costly mistake. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "His performance and his contribution this season shouldn't be defined by that. None of us should be defined by that. We got 92 points and that gets you up most seasons. "I've always said that the highs are a lot higher and the lows are a lot lower [as a United fan]. It stung yesterday but I've got a beautiful family supporting me, I've got magic pals. "I've got really good people around me and I'm at a fabulous football club. I know there'll be a little bit of negativity, I get that and I think social media amps that up, a thousand per cent." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
2025 World Matchplay Darts: Full Wednesday schedule as Luke Littler hunts glory
World Champion hunting a first prestigious Blackpool title World Champion Luke Littler is back on the Blackpool stage aiming to take the next step to a first Betfred World Matchplay title. The teenage sensation made a sparkling start to his bid at the weekend and now aims for a spot in the last eight at the Winter Gardens. Fellow World Champions Gerwyn Price and Michael Van Gerwen are also back on the stage after being part of Monday's explosive session aiming to avoid shock exits. Blackpool has already seen some major names go out of the £800,000 event with Luke Humphries ' first-game exit a stunner. Seeds such as Rob Cross and Dave Chisnall have followed Cool Hand out of the door leaving Littler as the strong title favourite. Tuesday four ties sees multiple World Champions take to the stage and Record Sport takes you through the quartet of eagerly-anticipated encounters. Schedule of Play (7pm) Second Round Andrew Gilding v Dirk Van Duijvenbode Gilding missed double 12 for a spectacular nine-darter in his tie against Damon Heta before running out a 12-10 winner in a Winter Gardens epic. Both players averaged over a ton in a compelling contest and it was Goldfinger who prevailed in a dramatic tie-break. Van Duijvenbode earned his last 16 spot with a superb 10-8 win over Rob Cross. The Dutchman overturned a 6-2 deficit to stun the 2019 champion, unleashing a brilliant late barrage, including a magnificent tops-tops 137 checkout, to complete the comeback. Chris Dobey v Gerwyn Price 2022 runner-up Price maintained his terrific form to overcome Daryl Gurney in an explosive encounter which made headlines for an end-of-match and backstage bust-up. The Welshman defied a spectacular 150 checkout from his rival with back-to-back legs of 11 and 14 darts to wrap up a 10-7 success. Dobey got over a sluggish start to advance to the last 16 for a fourth straight year with a comfortable 10-5 victory over German No.2 Ricardo Pietreczko, winning seven of the last eight legs to progress. Luke Littler vs Jermaine Wattimena Littler sent out a statement to his title rivals producing a devastating display to celebrate his first win on the iconic Winter Gardens stage. The teenager swept aside a shellshocked Ryan Searle in just 16 minutes of play. Littler was imperious from start to finish at the Empress Ballroom averaging 108.92 and crashing in five maximums in his 10-2 demolition of the Somerset star. Wattimena had a tougher passage as he fended off a spirited fightback from 2021 champion Peter Wright to secure his first World Matchplay win, at the fifth attempt. The Dutchman suffered a quartet of first round exits between 2018 and 2021, but he marked his return with a hard-fought 10-8 victory at the expense of the two-time World Champion. Michael van Gerwen vs Josh Rock Van Gerwen overturned a 4-3 deficit against Raymond van Barneveld to prevail in a battle of the Dutch darting legends. Barney exploited some early errors from Van Gerwen to hit the front before the World No.3 found his range in the closing stages to progress. Rock produced a blistering performance to begin his bid for Matchplay glory. The World Cup winner came of age on his Winter Gardens return to sweep aside former European Champion Ross Smith. The Northern Irishman punished a nightmare start from Smith to win the opening five legs without reply, and although Smith grew into the contest, Rock always remained in control. Thursday July 24 (8pm) - Quarter-Finals x2 Friday July 25 (8pm) - Quarter-Finals x2 Saturday July 26 (8pm) - Semi-Finals Sunday July 27 - Afternoon Session (1pm) Betfred Women's World Matchplay Quarter-Finals Beau Greaves v Kirsi Viinikainen Lisa Ashton v Robyn Byrne Noa-Lynn van Leuven v Lorraine Winstanley Fallon Sherrock v Gemma Hayter Semi-Finals Greaves/Viinikainen v Ashton/Byrne Van Leuven/Winstanley v Sherrock/Hayter Final Evening Session (8pm) Betfred World Matchplay Final WHERE TO WATCH: The Betfred World Matchplay will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
