Luke Littler crushes Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5 to reach World Matchplay final

Luke Littler threw 16 180s in the semi-final. Source: Getty Images/Ben Roberts Photo

Nine-darter, 113 average, four matches over 109 points: Luke Littler is playing darts from another planet at the World Matchplay. Given his streak in long matches, the final victory seems only a formality.

The colossus from the Netherlands could be pitied relatively quickly. Dirk van Duijvenbode had played a really strong major darts tournament and advanced to the semi-finals as an unseeded participant. He had eliminated world-class players Chris Dobey, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson, and stood in the semi-finals of the World Matchplay for the first time — the oldest (since 1994) and, alongside the World Championship, most important PDC tournament.

But there, van Duijvenbode met an opponent who is currently unbeatable. He became the next poor devil in the Empress Ballroom of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool to be thrashed by Luke Littler, dispatched 5-17. At no point in the match did van Duijvenbode have even a glimmer of a chance.

Dirk van Duijvenbode (r.) took it easy in the end, so hopeless was he. Source: Getty Images/Ben Roberts Photo

Dominance Over Long Distances

Littler, already floating above the rest of the world elite, is setting new standards of dominance. His tournament results so far:

• Round 1: Defeated Germany's Nico Springer 10-6
• Round 2: Defeated Nathan Aspinall 11-8
• Quarter-final: Defeated Josh Rock 16-7
• Semi-final: Defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode 17-5

These results clearly show one thing: the longer a game lasts, the more hopeless the opponents become.

If it only goes to six legs, as on the European Tour for example, Littler is occasionally beatable. Over long distances, however, the class of the 19-year-old Englishman prevails — and always. With his entry into the final, he extended his streak to 28 consecutive wins in matches where at least 20 legs were played. His last defeat in such a long game came in the 2024 World Championship final against Luke Humphries.

Only Phil Taylor Was Better in 2010

Littler has long since moved statistically to the level of the former dominant player Phil Taylor. In Blackpool, he played an average of over 109 points in all four matches. Against Aspinall, he opened the match with a nine-darter and achieved an average of 113.68 points in a thrilling exchange. Only Taylor was better in a match in 2010 with 114.99 points.

"That was incredible," said Littler. "That was the best game Nathan and I have ever played against each other."

Final: Littler vs. Price

In the final, Littler now faces Gerwyn Price. Littler is looking forward to the duel against the always emotional former rugby player: "He and I always have great games. Gerwyn will try to draw me into a battle of emotions and gestures."

A victory for the Welshman in the best-of-35 match would be akin to a sensation — also because Littler has won the last nine matches in a row against the 2021 world champion.

The match starts around 9:00 PM German time. DAZN broadcasts live.