In a breathtaking semi-final at the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler delivered a moment of pure magic that sent the Winter Gardens into a frenzy. Facing off against Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, Littler unleashed a sensational nine-darter in the eighth leg, a feat that not only turned the tide of a gripping 17-14 victory but also ignited a fervent debate about whether it was the greatest perfect leg in darts history. Former professional and commentator Paul Nicholson, alongside Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle, offered insights into this historic moment, with Littler himself boldly claiming, “I think it is the greatest. The result, all them trebles — just perfect.”
The context of Littler’s nine-darter was nothing short of extraordinary. Trailing 6-1 in a match that saw Rock dominate early with a blistering 5-0 lead, Littler was under pressure. The eighth leg saw both players trade back-to-back 180s, raising the stakes as they both sat on a 141 checkout for a potential nine-darter. With Littler “on throw,” he seized the moment, calmly hitting treble 20, treble 17, and double 15 to complete the perfect leg, denying Rock the chance to attempt the same. “It definitely sparked me into life,” Littler admitted, acknowledging his subdued reaction—a nonchalant shrug that belied the crowd’s pandemonium. “I didn’t want to give it big because I was playing awful.”
The leg’s perfection was unparalleled: 15 perfect darts between the two players, a first in PDC Tour history, with no missed darts to mar the spectacle. This distinguished it from the iconic 2023 World Championship final leg between Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen, where van Gerwen’s missed double 12 allowed Smith to clinch the nine-darter. Mardle, who famously declared “I can’t spake” during that 2023 moment, dubbed Littler’s effort “the second-best leg you will ever see in your life,” citing the drama of the World Championship final as unmatched due to its stakes and van Gerwen’s near-miss. However, Littler disagreed, asserting, “I think it is the greatest,” emphasizing the flawless execution of every treble and double.
Paul Nicholson, known for his sharp analysis, weighed in on the debate, praising the leg’s technical brilliance but leaning toward the Smith-van Gerwen moment for its emotional weight in a world final. “Both players being on nines in that eighth leg was pure theatre,” Nicholson said, highlighting the electric atmosphere at the Winter Gardens. He noted the leg’s historical significance as the 10th nine-darter in World Matchplay history and the first of 2025, but argued that the 2023 final’s context—two titans battling for the sport’s biggest prize—gave it a slight edge. “Littler’s leg was flawless, no question, but the World Championship’s narrative adds a layer of drama that’s hard to top,” he explained.
The nine-darter catalyzed Littler’s remarkable comeback. From 7-3 down, he won eight of the next 10 legs, averaging 107.5 to Rock’s 104.15 and edging the 180 count 15-14 in a match that set a Matchplay record with 29 maximums. Rock, undeterred, responded with a stunning 170 checkout, earning Littler’s playful reaction on social media. “It was an unbelievable game,” Littler reflected. “Fair play to Josh. He played his part in an amazing game.” Rock’s resilience shone through, but Littler’s relentless scoring and 34.7% checkout accuracy secured his place in the final against James Wade.
The match’s intensity underscored the promise of both young stars. Littler, already a world champion and Premier League winner, is chasing the Triple Crown, a feat achieved by only four others: Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries. Rock, with his 104 average and 14 180s, proved he’s a future force, prompting Littler to endorse him for the 2026 Premier League: “If he picks up one [major] or gets to a final or semi, I don’t see why not.” Their friendship added a touching layer, with both players celebrating the moment together, Littler pumping his fists and Rock clapping alongside him.
As Littler prepares to face Wade, who reached his seventh Matchplay final with a grueling 20-18 win over Jonny Clayton, the darts world continues to debate the nine-darter’s place in history. “It’s a leg that will be replayed for years,” Nicholson concluded, marveling at Littler’s composure at 18. Whether it surpasses the 2023 World Championship leg may remain subjective, but Littler’s perfect leg has etched itself into darts lore, a testament to his meteoric rise and the sport’s unrelenting capacity for drama.
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