Luke Littler fired in an average of over 109 to kick off his World Matchplay defence in emphatic fashion on Saturday. Debutant Niko Springer held the world No 1 to a level game at 5-5 before 'The Nuke' hit a purple patch to dismantle the German, winning five of the next six legs and finishing with an average of 109.53 to send a warning to the field in Blackpool.

Stephen Bunting defied a stirring comeback from Niels Zonneveld to defeat the Dutchman in a marathon last-leg decider. Despite leading 8-5, Bunting was forced to survive match darts before eventually getting over the line. Triple Z missed three match darts to stun 'The Bullet' before Bunting fired in an incredible 118 checkout to force a deciding leg and break throw.

Josh Rock made a winning start for the second year running, beating Luke Woodhouse 10-4 despite a sub-91 average, capitalising on 20 missed doubles from 'Woody'. The tournament continues at the iconic Winter Gardens with Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Gian van Veen in action on Sunday.