LUKE "The Nuke" Littler kicked off his campaign at the 2025 UK Open Darts Championship on Friday night at Butlin's Minehead Resort, battling through the intense atmosphere alongside the top rank of throwers. The 18-year-old darts sensation and 31 other elite players are entering the highly competitive tournament following the whittling down of 158 participants to the last 64.
During Friday's fourth-round draw, Littler found himself pitted against former world champion Peter Wright, with their high-stakes matchup scheduled for 8 PM. The excitement builds as ITV4 broadcasts the drama of the evening’s matches live. Fans eagerly anticipate how their beloved competitors will perform on the grand stage.
Tonight’s lineup includes several matchups of great interest. Highlights from the main stage include:
- Jonny Clayton vs. Gary Anderson at 7:10 PM
- Peter Wright vs. Luke Littler at 8:00 PM
- Beau Greaves vs. Luke Humphries at 9:00 PM
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode at 10:00 PM
Matches will take place across six stages, with competitors like Gary Anderson, Daryl Gurney, and many more showcasing their talents throughout the evening.
After making waves last year, where Littler reached the quarter-finals before being defeated by Damon Heta, this year’s expectations are high. The audience recalls the thrilling finale between Littler and Heta, which was described as one of the greatest matches in UK Open history. This year, Littler eyes not only the title but also the £110,000 top prize, hopefully showcasing the same remarkable skill he did last season.
The fourth-round action saw world number one Luke Humphries engaging against Beau Greaves, the Women's World Matchplay champion making her thrilling debut at this prestigious tournament. Greaves displayed skill and poise, contributing to a captivating competition storyline.
This afternoon, Greaves demonstrated her prowess, going toe-to-toe with Humphries, leading to exciting exchanges on the board. The match quickly intensified, showcasing the abilities of both players as they vied for supremacy. With scores tied at various points, it kept spectators at the edge of their seats.
The drama continued to build as top players faced off throughout the day. Results poured in with Martin Schindler edging past Mario Vandenbogaerde 10-7 and Dylan Slevin narrowly defeating Haupai Puha by the same scoreline. Meanwhile, Alan Soutar and Matt Campbell had their own gripping showdown.
For Littler, the match against Wright became increasingly nail-biting. Fans witnessed moods swing wildly, and tensions heighten as the match edged toward its climax. Littler recounted, "I was never going for the 170!" The strategic decision to aim for double top rather than attempt the 170 checkout paid dividends, contributing to his eventual 10-9 victory over Wright.
This thrilling encounter exemplified the unpredictable nature of darts, where fortunes can shift quickly. Despite Peter Wright's experience, he fell short against the rising star, Littler landing finishes with skill and precision down the stretch. The young player laughed off previous disappointments, focusing instead on this breakthrough moment.
Outside the excitement of the current matches, the upcoming rounds on Saturday, March 1, will see more fourth and sixth-round contests, culminating with quarter-finals, semifinals, and the final on Sunday, March 2. Viewers can tune in to the ITV3 and ITV4 networks or enjoy streaming via ITVX to catch up with all of the nail-biting action.
Anticipation grows as the tournament progresses, with fans and players alike eager to see who will claim the coveted UK Open title this year. With established stars and rising talents showcasing their craft at this premier event, the action promises to be unforgettable. All eyes will remain on Minehead as the world of darts puts on another captivating show, highlighting skill, drama, and competition as the players strive for glory.