'I was saving it': Did Littler know sensational nine-darter was coming?

Luke Littler thinks he still has a long way to go to be the "greatest ever" darts player but is motivated to keep checking achievements off his list, starting with going back-to-back at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

Littler moved one step closer to that goal by booking his place in the quarter-finals against Josh Rock with a dramatic 11-8 victory over Nathan Aspinall.

It was a simply incredible showing from Littler. After hitting a nine-darter in the opening leg, he nearly found perfection again in the fourth but was just wide on D15.

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He also hit 14 180s in the contest and his 113.68 average is the second-highest ever recorded at the World Matchplay behind Phil Taylor's 144.99 back in 2010.

Littler continues his quest to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2017 to go back-to-back in Blackpool, and the world No 1 currently holds the World Darts Championship, UK Open, Premier League, and Masters. He is also defending the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix, and the Players Championship Finals.

With the clean sweep still firmly in his sights, Littler needs to begin the charge by defending his title on the seaside. So, how close is Littler to being the 'greatest ever'?

"Obviously that talk's been going on for, I think from when I first came onto the scene, it was 'will he be the next Phil Taylor?'" Littler said.

"I have always said, unless I win 16 of these, 16 World Championships and whatever rest, then I think I will be the greatest.

"Am I going to be around in 16 years' time? Who knows?

"If I win 16 back-to-back World Championships, I am gone."

Could Littler anticipate nine-darter? 'I was saving it until later'

In his epic battle with Aspinall, Littler was a D15 shy of two nine-darters, a feat which only Taylor has achieved on TV.

While it was a sensational moment to hit a nine with his first nine darts, Littler's practice may have given him an inkling that one could be coming.

"I just want to produce my best stats every game I play and I think I have done it again tonight," he added.

"I think I was, at one point, at the highest average and Phil had 114. So, I know that record is there to be broken.

"Everyone is asking me how I did it, but I don't really know. It was the first leg of the game and then to go on and wire the double 15 again, that was really gutting to not hit two in a game.

"I was practising at home today and I did a first to 11 against the dart bot. I actually missed the double 15 and then my sister's boyfriend went, 'oh, you're c**p, you'.

"I was saving it till later. And I hit it."

Aspinall: Greatest match of my career

While losing such a dramatic and enthralling encounter can be difficult, Aspinall took the loss as a motivator, describing the contest as the best he has ever been involved in and will use it to fuel his "hunger" moving forward.

In a statement on social media after the match, Aspinall said: "The most enjoyable game of darts I have played in my career.

"Had absolutely everything and I gave it my all.

"Fair play to Luke Littler, you were simply unreal. Six trebleless visits in 19 legs is the stat that jumps out to me. Wow.

"That has certainly given me the hunger back. Support was unreal as per."

What is happening on Wednesday at the World Matchplay?

The round two action continues on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports, with four more big matches coming your way.

Cameron Menzies will be looking to back up a huge win over world No 2 Luke Humphries when he takes on Ross Smith.

Gerwyn Price then takes on fellow former world champion Rob Cross.

World No 3 Gian van Veen faces a showdown against fellow Dutchman and in-form Wessel Nijman, with James Wade taking on Ryan Searle.

Who will win this year's World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.