Luke Littler wins against Ryan Searle

Luke Littler continues to impress in the World Matchplay with a decisive victory over Ryan Searle.

Luke Littler advances in World Matchplay after dominating Ryan Searle

Luke Littler, the world champion, advanced to the last 16 of the World Matchplay in Blackpool with a 10-2 victory against Ryan Searle. The 18-year-old started strong, winning the first four legs in just 48 darts. He finished with an impressive average of 108.92 and successfully checked out 52.6% of his attempts. In contrast, world number 19 Searle struggled to respond. After his first-round defeat last year, Littler expressed relief at improving his performance. "I felt very comfortable out there," he said. Littler will face Dutch player Jermaine Wattimena next, who upset the 2021 champion Peter Wright by winning 10-8.

Littler's performance highlights his growth as a competitor in professional darts. His swift victory over Searle not only showcases his skill but also his determination to improve after earlier setbacks. The sport has seasoned players facing defeats, such as Rob Cross and the former champion Gary Anderson, showing that the competition remains fierce and unpredictable. As Littler gears up for the next round, the anticipation builds for his match against Wattimena, demonstrating the rising stakes in this year's tournament.

Highlights

As the tournament unfolds, Littler's journey will be closely followed by fans and competitors alike.