Littler wins 10-9 against Aspinall in Amsterdam last-16 clash
Luke Littler defeated Nathan Aspinall 10-9 in a best-of-19 match at the World Series of Darts Finals. The 19-year-old trailed 9-8 before forcing a decider and clinching with a 12-darter. He will face Jonny Clayton in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
Littler's victory extended his recent dominance over Aspinall, following their July World Matchplay meeting where he hit a nine-darter. The teenager's comeback from 9-8 down showcased his composure under pressure, with his seventh maximum of the night setting up the decisive break of throw. The win keeps alive his bid to sweep all major PDC titles in 2026.
The evening session also saw Gerwyn Price, James Wade, and Ross Smith advance, while Luke Humphries' exit to Dirk van Duijvenbode earlier in the day reshaped the draw. Littler now faces Jonny Clayton, a former Premier League champion, in Sunday's quarter-finals, with the remaining matches scheduled across afternoon and evening sessions.
Littler's rapid rise continues to broaden darts' mainstream appeal, drawing younger audiences to a sport traditionally associated with older demographics. His high-profile matches generate significant media coverage and social media engagement, which may boost sponsorship and broadcasting interest. However, the intense scrutiny on a 19-year-old could also place undue pressure on emerging players, potentially affecting their long-term development and mental wellbeing.