Luke Littler fuelled for World Matchplay by ‘hours and hours’ of practice, faces ‘fast’ Jermaine Wattimena next
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion, has ignited his 2025 World Matchplay campaign with a commanding performance, attributing his success to an unprecedented “hours and hours” of practice. On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 11:52 PM WAT, Littler secured a convincing 10-2 first-round victory over Ryan Searle at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, posting a near 109 average and a dazzling 126 checkout. This dominant display, broadcast live on Sky Sports, marked a stark contrast to his frustrating first-round exit to Michael van Gerwen in his 2024 debut, where he averaged 105 but faltered with missed doubles. Speaking post-match, Littler revealed a shift in preparation, saying, “I’ve been practicing so much more than usual… I’m glad it’s paid off,” signaling his determination to claim the £200,000 prize and join the prestigious “Triple Crown” club.
The Warrington prodigy’s transformation comes after a year of meteoric rise, including his 2025 World Championship triumph over van Gerwen and titles in the Premier League, Grand Slam, and UK Open, amassing over £1.5 million. His practice regimen, a departure from his previously relaxed approach, reflects a response to warnings from darts legends like Bobby George and Phil Taylor about the risk of falling from “hero to zero” amid fame and distractions, such as his recent driving theory test failures. Littler’s focus paid dividends against Searle, with clinical finishing and a 42% doubles success rate, earning praise from commentators and fans on X, where @dartmasterx hailed it as “a statement win.”
Next up is a second-round clash against Jermaine Wattimena on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, a matchup Littler is relishing. The Dutch “Machine Gun,” known for his rapid-fire style, advanced with a gritty 10-8 victory over Peter Wright, showcasing his resilience despite a 94 average. Littler anticipates a fast-paced encounter, noting, “He is another fast player, so it is going to be very quick once again… I can’t wait to get back on stage.” Wattimena’s aggressive approach, averaging 100+ in key moments, contrasts with Littler’s recent precision, setting the stage for a thrilling battle. The winner will face either Nathan Aspinall or Damon Heta in the quarter-finals, intensifying the stakes.
Littler’s practice-driven resurgence comes amid personal and professional scrutiny, including a spat with Dennis Priestley over his MBE, which he dismissed as “banter.” His current form, leading the PDC’s alternative rankings over world No. 1 Luke Humphries, reinforces his status as a favorite. As the Winter Gardens buzzes at 11:52 PM WAT, Littler’s dedication signals a hunger to redeem his 2024 disappointment, with fans eagerly awaiting how his newfound work ethic holds against Wattimena’s speed. This match could be a defining moment in his quest to solidify his legacy in darts’ “working man’s Las Vegas.”
