The darting world is buzzing with excitement as Luke Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, continues his quest for glory at the 2025 World Matchplay in Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens. Fresh off a commanding performance, the 18-year-old prodigy, nicknamed “The Nuke,” is gearing up for a thrilling second-round clash. But who stands in his way as he aims to claim his first World Matchplay title? The answer lies in a highly anticipated matchup set for Wednesday, July 23, against the formidable Jermaine Wattimena.
Littler’s journey to the second round was nothing short of spectacular. On Sunday, July 20, he delivered a masterclass, dismantling Ryan Searle with a resounding 10-2 victory in the first round. The world number two showcased his extraordinary talent, posting a staggering average of 108.92 and a checkout success rate of 52.6%. His dominance was evident from the outset, as he stormed to a 5-0 lead in the opening session, leaving Searle reeling with three breaks of throw and a jaw-dropping 126 checkout. Littler’s first five legs were finished in a blistering 12, 12, 13, 11, and 14 darts, setting an almost unplayable standard. Reflecting on his performance, Littler told reporters, “I was well up for it tonight, I just wanted to get that win, get that winning feeling and I did it. I’m so glad to get that win, get that winning feeling and I can’t wait to come back.”
This victory marked a significant milestone for Littler, who endured a first-round exit against Michael van Gerwen in his 2024 World Matchplay debut. Determined to make amends, he revealed a shift in his preparation, admitting, “I felt very comfortable, I have been practising so much. I’ve just been putting in hours and hours. I’m glad it’s paid off.” His newfound dedication to practice has clearly paid dividends, silencing critics who once noted his casual approach to training. Littler’s performance against Searle not only secured his place in the last 16 but also sent a strong message to his rivals: he’s here to win.
Now, Littler faces Jermaine Wattimena, a seasoned Dutch player who earned his spot in the second round with a hard-fought 10-8 upset over 15th seed Peter Wright. Wattimena, a ProTour event finalist earlier this season, is no stranger to the Winter Gardens stage but has yet to secure a second-round victory in his five previous appearances. His resilience against Wright, a two-time world champion, highlights his potential to challenge even the biggest names. Littler, however, remains the favorite, with pundits and fans alike touting him as a top contender for the Phil Taylor Trophy. “All eyes are on me now, just take it game by game,” Littler said, embracing the pressure as he prepares for this crucial encounter.
The World Matchplay, one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments, is renowned for its electric atmosphere and rich history. Held at the Winter Gardens, the event has seen legends like Phil Taylor dominate, with 16 titles to his name. Littler, who has already etched his name in the record books as the youngest PDC World Champion at 17 years and 347 days, is eager to add this coveted title to his growing collection, which includes the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and 2025 UK Open. A victory here could bring him closer to achieving the elusive “Triple Crown” of darts, encompassing the World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay.
Wattimena, however, is not to be underestimated. His ability to topple a high seed like Wright demonstrates his knack for rising to the occasion. The second-round match, set to be contested over the best of 21 legs, promises to test Littler’s composure and precision. With the Winter Gardens crowd in full voice, the atmosphere will be nothing short of electric, amplifying the stakes for both players. Littler’s blistering form and newfound focus make him the one to watch, but Wattimena’s experience and determination could make this a closer contest than expected.
As the tournament progresses, surprises have already shaken the field. Defending champion Luke Humphries, along with seeds Nathan Aspinall, Damon Heta, Rob Cross, and Dave Chisnall, suffered first-round exits, underscoring the unpredictability of the World Matchplay. Littler’s ability to avoid a similar fate against Searle has bolstered his confidence, but he remains cautious, noting, “I can’t wait to get back on stage.” Fans are eagerly awaiting this clash, with social media abuzz about Littler’s potential to dominate and Wattimena’s chance to pull off another upset.
The stage is set for a captivating battle at the Winter Gardens. Will Littler continue his meteoric rise, or will Wattimena spoil the party? One thing is certain: darts fans are in for a treat as these two warriors lock horns in Blackpool.
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