‘I’m glad it’s paid off’ – Luke Littler reveals gruelling new training regime that saw him almost break darts record

LUKE LITTLER came close to breaking the World Matchplay average record as he blitzed Ryan Searle in just 16 MINUTES.

The teen sensation won his first-ever clash on the Winter Gardens stage, smashing Heavy Metal 10-2 in Blackpool on Sunday night.

Shutterstock EditorialLuke Littler came close to another record after beating Ryan Searle in 16 minutes on Sunday[/caption]

Littler delivered an average of 108.92, just short of Phil Taylor’s 114.99 – but after five legs was flying at 121.21 per three darts.

The 18-year-old – who showed off a new look in Blackpool – said: “I’m just so glad to get that win here. I wanted to just get it done.

“I felt very comfortable. I’ve been practising so much. I’ve not done much on social media. I’ve just been putting in the hours and hours.

“I’m glad it’s paid off tonight. It’s been two hours a day.

“I was here watching Luke (Humphries) last night. I just wanted to come here and get another feel for it.

“I’m still a fan, I’ll still come and watch, even if I’m not playing on the night.”

Littler flew out of the blocks, ripping into a 5-0 lead in just SEVEN MINUTES and hitting five out of six shots on the doubles.

It took Searle six legs to get a double on the board after The Nuke piled on the pressure including a 126 checkout but his finishing just dipped off slightly in the latter stages.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Littler’s opponent in the last 16 will be Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena who beat 2021 champion Peter Wright 10-8.

Littler lost to Michael van Gerwen on his Blackpool debut in 2024 but his showing against ‘Heavy Metal’ was simply spectacular.

The reigning world champion is renowned for his lack of practice on the board outside of tournaments, often not throwing darts in between being on the stage.

But Littler is determined to add this major to his cabinet.

If he does, he completes the darting Triple Crown of the World Matchplay, World Darts Championship and Premier League.

That is a feat only completed by Taylor, Van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Luke Humphries.