“I want to win a game at the Winter Gardens” – Luke Littler looks to put Van Gerwen disappointment to bed at 2025 World Matchplay

Luke Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion, is determined to erase the memory of his first-round exit to Michael van Gerwen at the 2024 Betfred World Matchplay by targeting his first win at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in the 2025 edition, running July 19-27. Speaking to *Sky Sports*, Littler said, “I want to pick up as many trophies as I can, but first of all, I want to win a game at the Winter Gardens,” per *Sky Sports*. His 2024 debut ended in a 10-6 loss to the three-time champion, with Littler’s performance criticized for “nonchalance” by Wayne Mardle, who noted a lack of focus despite a 100+ average, per *Sky Sports*. Van Gerwen, averaging 101.93 with five 180s, capitalized on Littler’s 16 trebleless visits, per *Warrington Guardian*.

For 2025, Littler faces Ryan Searle in the first round, a player he has beaten in all three televised encounters, including a 10-6 Premier League win in 2024, per *Sports Mole*. Littler, the 13/8 tournament favorite, expressed confidence, stating, “I’m in a better place than last year,” per *Runcorn and Widnes World*. A victory could set up a second-round clash with Peter Wright or Jermaine Wattimena, with tougher opponents like Rob Cross or Van Gerwen looming, per *The Mirror*. His 2025 titles, including the World Championship (7-3 over Van Gerwen), Premier League, and UK Open, bolster his momentum, per *Sky Sports*. Fans on X, like @DartsNews02, have echoed Littler’s ambition to “put Van Gerwen disappointment to bed,” per.