Littler throws nine-darter to reach World Matchplay quarter-finals

World number one Luke Littler threw a thrilling nine-darter as he secured his place in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay with an 11-8 victory over Nathan Aspinall on Sunday. The match took place at Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Littler began the contest in sensational fashion with a perfect leg, finishing on double 15. The 19-year-old cupped his ears to soak in the adulation of the crowd, while Aspinall laughed in disbelief before giving him a high five. In the fourth leg, Littler had double 15 remaining for a second nine-darter, but his dart landed just outside the wire.

Aspinall turned to the crowd and jokingly offered his darts to anyone else wanting to play the teenager. He managed to level the match at 7-7, but the defending champion then won three consecutive legs. Aspinall briefly rallied, but after missing tops in the 19th leg, Littler checked out 52 to seal the win. His average of 113.68 is the second highest in tournament history, and he hit 14 maximum 180s.

"The nine-darter just happened. These guys were booing me at the beginning and then they started cheering me on!" Littler told Sky Sports. "It felt amazing and that was probably the best game Nathan and I have played against each other. Hopefully I can pick up the title again, but I just have to focus on who I play next." Littler will face the winner of the second-round match between Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting.

In other action, Michael van Gerwen suffered a 14-12 defeat to compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode, despite rallying from 8-4 down to level at 10-all. Scotland's Gary Anderson also progressed, beating Welshman Jonny Clayton 11-7.