Littler: People can moan about me and Humphries - someone needs to stop us

Luke Littler is more than ready to defend his World Matchplay title after an opening round 10-6 win over Niko Springer and believes that people should not "moan" about his and Luke Humphries' domination, but rather someone should stop them.

Littler is looking to become the first player in a decade to go back-to-back in Blackpool after Michael van Gerwen completed the feat in 2016.

He started that effort in stunning fashion against Springer, averaging over 109 in the match and over 123 in the final six legs.

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Humphries gets his tournament under way on Monday against Cameron Menzies, live on Sky Sports from 7pm, as he looks to add a second Matchplay win after his 2024 triumph.

The world No 1 and No 2 are, of course, favourites to meet in another final. They have met on multiple big stages across 2026, including the Premier League, with 'Cool Hand' winning four of their last five meetings.

For Littler, it is up to the other competitors to put a stop to another final between the two Lukes.

"I think it is just one of them things. You have just got to keep going," Littler said.

"Obviously, Luke (Humphries) is on form. I am on form. If we meet in the final again, then so be it.

"Everyone can keep moaning but if no one is going to stop us, then we are going to keep meeting in finals."

Next up for Littler is a second-round meeting with Nathan Aspinall who was on form in a 10-5 win against Joe Cullen.

Littler: Matchplay decides the rest of 2026

Whether Littler defends his Matchplay title has massive ramifications on how the rest of his 2026 unfolds.

Ahead of his match on Saturday, Littler confirmed that only victory at the Winter Gardens would see him head to the Pro Tours to try and book a spot at the Players Championship Finals.

If he cannot defend his win, then he will not be defending his Minehead victory.

"It's a trophy (Matchplay) that I really wanted because I didn't have. I'm defending champion but I'm not defending a penny," he told Sky Sports.

"It's a free hit and going back-to-back. The tournament is up there with one of the best.

"The next nine days will decide if I go to the Players Championship Finals.

"If I don't win this then I'm not going back to Minehead for the Players Championship Finals. If I do win this then I will have to go to some Pro Tours and try and get in there."

When is the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports?

The World Matchplay commences on Saturday, July 18 and ends on Sunday, July 26.

All nine days of the event will be shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage of the opening day commencing on Sky Sports+ at 7pm Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW