Advertisement
League of Ireland
Horse Racing
TV Listings
GAA Fixtures
The Video Review
Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture
Rugby Weekly Extra
Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week
The Football Family
Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points
Advertisement
More Stories
Luke Littler (file photo).Alamy Stock Photo
Luke Littler runs riot on World Matchplay debut
‘I wanted to get that winning feeling and I’ve done it in some standard.’
11.00pm, 20 Jul 2025
Share options
LUKE LITTLER STORMED through to the second round of his debut World Matchplay with a 10-2 rout of Ryan Searle.
Littler, the second seed on his first appearance at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, looked like a man in a hurry as he jumped out to a 6-0 lead.
And although Searle was able to get on the board late on, there was never going to be any way back against Littler, who averaged nearly 109.
“I was well up for tonight,” Littler said on Sky Sports. “I wanted that win, to get that winning feeling and I’ve done it in some standard.”
Advertisement
After revealing earlier this week he had failed his driving theory test for a fourth time, Littler said he has not been doing his homework for that as he has been keeping his focus on his game, adding: “I’ve got a competition to focus on.”
“I’ve been practicing so much,” he said. “Obviously I’ve not put much on social media but I’ve been at home putting the hours in, hours and hours, and I’m glad it’s paid off tonight.”
Fifth seed Jonny Clayton survived a tough contest against Martin Schindler to prevail 10-7, despite the German putting up better numbers for much of the contest.
Clayton’s average was 99.60 compared to Schindler’s 103.45 but the Welshman picked his moments to advance.
“I am here, I want to win this tournament,” Clayton said. “Hopefully it is going to be my week. I love it when I pass the first round.”
Earlier 13th seed Gary Anderson saw off Luke Woodhouse 10-5 despite a spectacular 167 checkout from the Englishman.
Four seeds were sent home during Sunday’s afternoon session as further shocks followed Saturday’s exits of top seed Luke Humphries and eighth seed Nathan Aspinall.
Seventh seed Damon Heta fell to Andrew Gilding in a contest that went to overtime, with Gilding eventually prevailing 12-10 after a late fightback came to nothing for Heta.
Gilding advances to face Dirk van Duijvenbode, who saw off 10th seed Rob Cross 10-8 after rallying from 6-2 down in a remarkable contest.
Jermaine Wattimena beat 15th seed Peter Wright 10-8 while Mike De Decker beat 12th seed Dave Chisnall 10-7.
Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney are in action tomorrow.
Press Association
Viewcomments
Send Tip or Correction
Embed this post
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Email “Luke Littler runs riot on World Matchplay debut”.
Recipient's Email
Feedback on “Luke Littler runs riot on World Matchplay debut”.
Your Feedback
Your Email (optional)
Report a Comment
Please select the reason for reporting this comment.
Please give full details of the problem with the comment...
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
before taking part.
Leave a Comment
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech
An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic
An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language
Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Please provide additional information
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
Leave a commentcancel
Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user
View our policy
⚠️ Duplicate comment
Post Comment
have your say
Or create a free account to join the discussion
Luke Littler
News in 60 seconds
FreeSelection
Here's The Sunday Game's Hurling Team of the Year for 2025
19 mins ago
Ronan Maher lands All-Ireland hurling final man of the match award
43 mins ago
FreeAthletics
Two more medals for Ireland at European U23 Championships in Norway
FreePodcastThe 42 GAA Weekly
Post All-Ireland final pod: Tipp win as Cork collapse
FreeTipp Top
Darragh McCarthy: 'If you let it get to you, you're going to be curled up in a ball at home in bed'
FreeStudents and Teachers
St Pat's equal club record win in FAI Cup rout
absent friends
'I never flinched at any stage on the line once he was across my chest' - Liam Cahill
As it happened
Cork v Tipperary, All-Ireland senior hurling final
Premier Pride
Stunning Tipperary surge sees them take down Cork and claim All-Ireland hurling glory
Fintan O'Toole
Reports from Croke Park
Joe McCarthy a doubt for second Test as Lions call up Brown
Test Match Animal
'My mother was kayaking on the river, fair play to her'
more from us
Investigates
Daft.ie Property Magazine
Allianz Home Magazine
The 42 Sports Magazine
TG4 Entertainment Magazine
Money Diaries
The Journal TV
Journal Media
Advertise With Us
About FactCheck
Our Network
FactCheck Knowledge Bank
Terms & Legal Notices
Terms of Use
Cookies & Privacy
Advertising
Competition
more from us
TV Listings
GAA Fixtures
The Video Review
Journal Media
Advertise With Us
Our Network
The Journal
FactCheck Knowledge Bank
Terms & Legal Notices
Terms of Use
Cookies & Privacy
Advertising
Competition
© 2025 Journal Media Ltd
Terms of Use
Cookies & Privacy
Advertising
Competition
Switch to Desktop
Switch to Mobile
The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie
Report an error, omission or problem:
Your Email (optional)
Create Email Alert
Create an email alert based on the current article
Email Address
One email every morning
As soon as new articles come online
Sign in or create
a free account
To continue reading create a free account
Or sign into an existing account
Related News
03 Aug, 2025
Scottish Premiership Soccer: Stream Moth . . .
23 Mar, 2025
Everton prepare next step for their new . . .
28 Jun, 2025
32YO LPGA Tour Pro shares how Nelly Kord . . .
16 Apr, 2025
Snooker World Championship guide: Draw, . . .
21 Feb, 2025
Telangana golfer Sneha wins 6-under at W . . .
08 May, 2025
The Papal ‘conclave cam’ is slow TV
15 Apr, 2025
Saudi Arabia plans to pay off Syria’s Wo . . .
12 Apr, 2025
Trump praises the results of his first p . . .