Littler wins Matchplay and smashes Taylor record

<|unk|> UK Darts Star Luke Littler Crushes Taylor Records in Historic World Matchplay Victory <|unk|>

At just 19, Luke Littler has etched his name in darts history by successfully defending his World Matchplay title while shattering multiple records previously held by Phil Taylor. Litttler’s dominance on Friday at Blackpool’s EventCity secures him back-to-back Matchplay crowns, making him just the third player in history to achieve this feat.

The UK’s top-ranked player delivered a masterclass, concluding the event with a new tournament and final average record of 111.04 and 111.53 respectively. These scores far exceed Taylor’s previous highs of 106.31 and 111.23 set in 2010 and 2013 against Adrian Lewis.

Littler’s £225,000 prize money brings his two-year PDC Order of Merit total to £3,143,500 – a staggering £2.13m ahead of runner-up Luke Humphries. His electrifying performance featured six ton-plus finishes, surpassing his own annual record total of 66 180s set just last year during the Matchplay.

“This week has been incredible – one of the most memorable of my career,” Littler reflected to Sky Sports, acknowledging the challenge of maintaining focus on the hyper-precision required at the highest level.

Despite a slight dip in form during the middle sessions, Littler’s dominance was reignited by a blistering 167 checkout in leg four, establishing a commanding 4-1 lead before the session ended. The teenager maintained pressure all weekend, combining clinical finishing (notably a match-sealing 148 checkout) with tactical brilliance to complete the double crown.

Gerwyn Price, a formidable seventh seed averaging 104.97 in his final against Littler, pushed him to the limit. Price’s strong week sees him reclaim the Welsh number one ranking from Jonny Clayton, finishing fourth in the Order of Merit standings.

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