“Good luck Dirk” – Mark Webster mesmerised by "frightening" Luke Littler

Luke Littler keeps smashing records at the World Matchplay. The defending champion cruised into the semi-finals on Friday night and still has a shot at becoming the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to successfully defend his Blackpool crown.

According to Sky Sports analyst Mark Webster, there is only one conclusion right now: the Englishman is simply unstoppable. Littler arrived in Blackpool as the titleholder, and he has not only met the sky-high expectations, he has exceeded them.

The world champion averaged 113 in the first round, the second-highest ever at the World Matchplay. Only Phil Taylor did better in 2010 with 114.99. He then followed up with a 109 average in both the second round and the quarter-final.

As if that were not impressive enough, Littler also produced a nine-darter against Nathan Aspinall. Against the same Aspinall he hit fourteen maximums, while in the quarter-final against Josh Rock he found the 180 no fewer than seventeen times.

Mark Webster watched on Sky Sports with admiration as Littler put on a clinic against Rock. The Welshman noted that Rock did not play a bad match at all, yet still had no chance.

"He can play in spells. I say spells because he's been doing it all tournament. I was delighted for Josh because it was an improved performance and a 101 average but he lost by nine legs so it just shows how good Littler is.”

According to Webster, the world number one looks completely in control in all circumstances. "He looks comfortable in every scenario. Good luck to Dirk on Saturday.”

Dirk van Duijvenbode awaits in the semi-finals, having knocked out Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson earlier this week. Webster fears the Dutchman also faces a daunting task. "It's 111 tournament average. He's played almost 60 legs. He's just too good! He's focused and relaxed."

The former Lakeside champion also sees no hint of nerves in Littler. For Webster, that makes it immediately clear why the Englishman is currently a cut above the rest of the field. "He's by far the best player in the world. It's frightening form."