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Luke Littler secures place in World Matchplay final

Littler defeats Josh Rock 17-14 with a stunning nine-darter performance.

July 26, 2025 at 10:26 PM

Luke Littler nine-darter helps him into World Matchplay Darts final

Luke Littler hits a spectacular nine-darter as he overcomes Josh Rock 17-14 to set up a World Matchplay final against James Wade on Sunday.

Luke Littler advances to World Matchplay final with stunning nine-darter

Luke Littler secured his place in the World Matchplay final by defeating Josh Rock 17-14, featuring a remarkable nine-darter performance. The 18-year-old world champion, initially trailing 6-1, displayed exceptional skill to rally against Rock, who had also shown impressive form with two 180s. Littler's nine-darter is considered one of the finest legs in the tournament's history, marking the 10th nine-darter since the event began in 1994. His opponent in the final will be 42-year-old James Wade, who won an intense match against Jonny Clayton. Both players are now set for a highly anticipated rematch following their previous encounter in the UK Open final earlier this year, where Littler had an 11-2 win.

Key Takeaways

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Littler’s nine-darter is a pivotal highlight of the tournament.

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This victory sets up a final against seasoned player James Wade.

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Littler is aiming for the Triple Crown at age 18, a rare achievement in darts.

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The match featured a record tally of 29 maximums, showcasing high-level play.

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Wade’s encounter was intensely competitive, demonstrating endurance and skill.

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This final could mark a significant moment in the careers of both players.

"It definitely sparked me into life, I didn't want to give it big because I was playing awfully."

Littler reflects on how the nine-darter changed the course of his match against Rock.

"I'm just done, I'm exhausted. I hope the crowd enjoyed themselves, because I hated every minute of it."

James Wade describes the toll of his intense match against Clayton, showcasing the pressure of competitive play.

Littler’s triumph not only showcases his resilience but also highlights the shifting dynamics in the sport. At just 18, he is in the spotlight while trying to secure his position among darts legends. Wade, a seasoned player, brings experience to the final, making this matchup both thrilling and unpredictable. The engagement of younger players like Littler injects excitement into darts, potentially altering its future landscape. Fans are left eager to see whether Littler can achieve the Triple Crown in such a short time, adding another layer of pressure to an already intense final.

Highlights

Littler proves age is just a number in darts.
A nine-darter that shifted the momentum entirely.
Can Littler secure another title in record time?
Wade vs Littler promises an epic showdown.

Possible tension due to public expectations

Littler's rapid rise brings high expectations, which could lead to increased pressure as he competes for titles. The phenomenon of young athletes facing intense scrutiny has raised concerns about the mental well-being of players.

As the final approaches, the excitement continues to build for darts fans worldwide.

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world matchplay luke littler james wade darts nine-darter sports darts

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