Littler Dominates Day Two at Minehead Defending His Title Ambitions

Luke Littler showcased exceptional skill on Day Two of the 2025 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals, asserting his title ambitions. The £600,000 event took place at Butlin’s Minehead Resort, with the action culminating in exciting performances from top-seeded players.

Littler’s Dominance in the Championship

Continuing his pursuit of glory, Littler, the reigning World Champion, highlighted his potential with a myriad of outstanding plays. He faced fourth seed Ross Smith, emerging victorious with a 6-3 win after averaging an impressive 107. Following this success, he eliminated Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko in the last 16 with a score of 10-6, averaging close to 103.

“I wasn’t at my best on the doubles but I hope to improve tomorrow,” Littler stated, reflecting on his performance. He notably accomplished a remarkable 121 finish, aided by two bullseyes, showcasing his determination to win a title he has yet to secure.

Upcoming Challenge for Littler

His next encounter will be against fifth seed Chris Dobey, who progressed after triumphing over Cam Crabtree and James Hurrell. Dobey’s strong performance in the quarter-finals is noteworthy, having narrowly defeated Crabtree in a gripping last-leg decider.

Progress of Other Competitors

Gerwyn Price also advanced, defeating 2018 champion Daryl Gurney in the quarter-finals. He secured a solid 6-1 victory against Sebastian Bialecki, followed by a 10-6 win against Martin Schindler, featuring impressive finishes of 127 and 161.

Gurney remains a notable presence, being the last former champion standing. He had a fortunate escape against Adam Lipscombe, where he survived ten match darts after leading early in the match.

Standout Performers

• Josh Rock made a significant impact, advancing after winning against Scott Williams and Krzysztof Ratajski.
• Nathan Aspinall reached the quarter-finals by defeating Richard Veenstra and Danny Noppert.
• James Wade secured his place by overcoming 2021 champion Peter Wright and Andrew Gilding.
• Jermaine Wattimena displayed impressive form, winning against Ryan Joyce and Ryan Searle.

High-Profile Exits

Round Two saw the elimination of several prominent players, including Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, alongside European Champion Gian van Veen, who relinquished his lead against Ratajski.

Looking Ahead

As the finals approach, the remaining eight players will compete for the £120,000 top prize. The quarter-finals begin on Sunday afternoon, followed by semi-finals and the final in an exciting evening session.

The Winmau World Youth Championship final will also take place, featuring reigning champion Gian van Veen against Women’s Series winner Beau Greaves.

The 2025 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals will be broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK and via PDC partners worldwide, with comprehensive coverage available on PDCTV.