The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay begins on Saturday, as reigning champion Luke Littler opens his title defence at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. Day One of the summer’s biggest darts event will see Littler take on German debutant Niko Springer in his opening round tie, as 2023 champion Nathan Aspinall locks horns with Joe Cullen in another […]
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay begins on Saturday, as reigning champion Luke Littler opens his title defence at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
Day One of the summer’s biggest darts event will see Littler take on German debutant Niko Springer in his opening round tie, as 2023 champion Nathan Aspinall locks horns with Joe Cullen in another blockbuster clash at the Empress Ballroom.
Elsewhere, Premier League stars Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting meet Luke Woodhouse and Niels Zonneveld respectively, with the winners set to go head-to-head in round two.
The Betfred World Matchplay will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, CANAL+ and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
Click here for live scores, match stats & results.
2026 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday July 18 (1900 BST)
Round One x4
Josh Rock 10-4 Luke Woodhouse
Stephen Bunting 13-12 Niels Zonneveld
Luke Littler v Niko Springer
Nathan Aspinall v Joe Cullen