# Littler wins first match in World Matchplay title defense

Luke Littler began his World Matchplay title defense with a victory over opponent Springer. The win advances him in the tournament as he aims to retain his crown. This match is a key early step in a major darts competition.

**Importance:** 2/5

## Sources

### Sports
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cp9e5ge3e3eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:40:39 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cr59mr5yq3eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:48:32 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/cp3r53k4xp6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:04:44 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cn9nge10504o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:33:42 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cg5lylz22gmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 22:52:10 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cy9wvxqqj40o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 16:08:59 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cwym032rlkvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:25:44 GMT
- [The Guardian Sport](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/26/luke-littler-world-matchplay-final-gerwyn-price-beau-greaves-darts) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:30:44 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/c629683nlg7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:41:00 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c4gx0gq0e0zo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:47:36 GMT
- [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/cvglr1pr1gxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:18:39 GMT