World Matchplay Darts 2025: Luke Littler Fires Warning Shot to Jermaine Wattimena

Reigning world champion Luke Littler stormed into the second round of the World Matchplay with 10-2 demolition of Ryan Searle at the Winter Gardens, registering a blistering 108.92 three-dart average — the highest of the tournament so far.

It was the 18-year-old sensation’s first-ever win on the iconic Blackpool stage, and he’ll now turn his focus to Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena, who stunned two-time world champion Peter Wright in the opening round.

History Repeats? Littler Dominance over Wattimena

Wattimena may have cruised through his opener, but history isn’t on his side when it comes to facing the Warrington wonderkid. The pair have clashed four times — and every time, Littler has emerged a comfortable winner.

Their first televised meeting was a 16-2 mauling in the semi-finals of last year’s Grand Slam of Darts. Earlier this year in Minehead, Littler dispatched him again with a 10-4 win. On the European Tour, the teenager has triumphed 6-2 and 6-1 in their other two encounters.

Despite the one-sided results, Wattimena insists he’s never underperformed in those defeats.

“I’ve never played bad against him,” Wattimena said confidently.

“I can worry about him over the next few days, I won’t think about him now.”

No Changes, No Fear for Wattimena

Asked whether he needs to prepare differently to tackle the challenge ahead, the Dutchman remained defiant.

“No. If you want to win a tournament, you have to be beat the best player in the world.”

And as for Littler’s stature or rising profile being a factor on stage?

“It’s still the same stage. I know I can play really good darts and if I catch my chances, and take those one dart finishes, then maybe I can win the game,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk.

Littler Ready to Turn Confidence into More Carnage

Later in the evening, Littler reflected on his next opponent — and made it clear he’s taking added belief from his opening-round performance.

“I remember playing him at the Grand Slam. I was watching the darts earlier tonight; this afternoon he played well. But after what I’ve done tonight, it’ll give me an extra confidence boost going into round two.”

When asked whether Wattimena should be worried, Littler responded with a wry smile.

“Maybe. If I do that, when I do play him then yeah. Whatever happens on the day I’m feeling very, very confident.”

Both men are heading into this second-round showdown brimming with belief — but with Littler firing on all cylinders and his record against Wattimena flawless, it’s the teenage world champion who enters as the clear favourite.

Still, if Wattimena finally wants to shake off his Littler hoodoo and lift his first major title, there’s no better place to start than the Winter Gardens.