Taylor Lanning/PDC

Luke Littler only seventh player to throw four or more nine-dart finishes in TV tournaments

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 2:16 PM ET

There was a moment of pure darting sensation at the Winter Gardens last night, as Luke Littler produced the tenth nine-darter in World Matchplay history—one that is already being hailed as the greatest leg ever thrown.

The 17-year-old delivered perfection during a pulsating semi-final clash against Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, eventually winning 17-14. The pair lit up the stage in the eighth leg of the match, both opening with back-to-back 180s. But it was Littler who had the first opportunity to finish, needing 141. Cool as ever, ‘The Nuke’ nailed treble 20, treble 17, and double 15 to complete the perfect leg.

Statistically, it may go down as the best leg of darts ever played. Littler posted a staggering leg average of 167, while Rock—despite not missing a dart—was left stranded with a leg average of 180. The Winter Gardens erupted in disbelief and adoration.

Joining Darting Royalty

With that moment of magic, Littler added his name to an elite list of players to have hit four or more nine-darters on television. Only six others have achieved the feat: Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld, Michael van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis, James Wade, and Gerwyn Price.

Remarkably, all of them were significantly older than Littler when they hit that milestone.

A Shot at the Triple Crown

And the story may not be over yet. Littler, still just 18, now has the chance to etch his name into even greater darting folklore. Victory tonight would see him complete the sport’s fabled 'Triple Crown'—the World Darts Championship, the Premier League, and the World Matchplay. Only four players in history have achieved it: Taylor, Van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries.

Standing in his way is the experienced James Wade, who will be making his seventh World Matchplay final appearance. For Littler, it’s his maiden final at this iconic event, having lost in the first round on his debut last year to Van Gerwen.

Tonight promises to be yet another chapter in the meteoric rise of Luke Littler—and perhaps another night of history in Blackpool.

Players to hit 4+ televised nine darters

Phil Taylor (46)
Raymond van Barneveld (43)
Michael van Gerwen (25)
Adrian Lewis (31)
James Wade (38)
Gerwyn Price (37)
Luke Littler (18)

(age when hit 4th nine darter in brackets)
— Weekly Dartscast (@WeeklyDartscast) July 26, 2025