Betfred World Matchplay 2026: Luke Littler faces Niko Springer, Luke Humphries takes on Cameron Menzies as draw confirmed

09.07.2026, 21:25 skysports.com

Luke Littler will take on Niko Springer as he looks to defend his World Matchplay title, live on Sky Sports from July 18-26, at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Littler clinched the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy after beating James Wade 18-13 in the final of last year's event, recovering from 5-0 down to seal an enthralling comeback victory and become the fifth player in history to complete the 'Triple Crown'.

If Littler can keep hold of the trophy, he will become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2015 to go back-to-back in Blackpool.

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Second seed Luke Humphries starts his Matchplay with a mouth-watering tie against Cameron Menzies, while Van Gerwen faces in-form Andrew Gilding.

Other stand-out ties include Nathan Aspinall against Joe Cullen, Josh Rock vs Luke Woodhouse, and Jonny Clayton up against Damon Heta.

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The event features the top 16 players from the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder as well as the best 16 players from the one-year ProTour rankings.

Prize purses for the 2026 event have been boosted to £1m, with the winner set to pocket £225,000.

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(1) Luke Littler v Niko Springer

(16) Nathan Aspinall v Joe Cullen

(8) Josh Rock v Luke Woodhouse

(9) Stephen Bunting v Niels Zonneveld

(4) Michael van Gerwen v Andrew Gilding

(13) Chris Dobey v Dirk van Duijvenbode

(5) Jonny Clayton v Damon Heta

(12) Gary Anderson v Ryan Joyce

(2) Luke Humphries v Cameron Menzies

(15) Ross Smith v Kevin Doets

(7) Gerwyn Price v Martin Schindler

(10) Danny Noppert v Rob Cross

(3) Gian van Veen v Krzysztof Ratajski

(14) Wessel Nijman v Dave Chisnall

(6) James Wade v Jermaine Wattimena

(11) Ryan Searle v William O'Connor

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1. Luke Littler2. Luke Humphries3. Gian van Veen4. Michael van Gerwen5. Jonny Clayton6. James Wade7. Gerwyn Price8. Josh Rock9. Stephen Bunting10. Danny Noppert11. Ryan Searle12. Gary Anderson13. Chris Dobey14. Wessel Nijman15. Ross Smith16. Nathan Aspinall

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Luke WoodhouseJermaine WattimenaKevin DoetsAndrew GildingRob CrossKrzysztof RatajskiWilliam O'ConnorNiko SpringerNiels ZonneveldMartin SchindlerRyan JoyceDirk van DuijvenbodeCameron MenziesJoe CullenDamon HetaDave Chisnall

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