The World Series of Darts Finals are heating up, and all eyes are on a blockbuster second-round clash: Nathan Aspinall versus Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler. This highly anticipated match pits close friends against each other in a battle where Littler has historically dominated, securing 17 wins from their 20 encounters. Aspinall, despite consistently pushing Littler to the brink, is yet to claim a major stage victory against him. This Saturday showdown is crucial, as the winner will advance to Sunday’s finals day, keeping their championship dreams alive.
The Rivalry Rekindled: Aspinall vs. Littler
The third day of action at the World Series of Darts Finals brings us to the thrilling conclusion of the second round, where players are fiercely competing for a coveted spot in Sunday’s finals. While several intriguing matches are on the cards, such as James Wade facing Wessel Nijman and Luke Humphries taking on Dirk van Duijvenbode, one particular encounter stands out above the rest.
The final game of this round features a captivating showdown between world number one, Luke Littler, and his close friend, Nathan Aspinall. This will be only their second meeting in 2026, a stark contrast to their frequent clashes in previous years. With “The Asp” not featuring in the 2026 Premier League, opportunities for these two titans to meet on the oche have become much rarer, making this match even more special.
A History of Epic Battles, Mostly Littler’s Way
Their most recent encounter at the World Matchplay in July was nothing short of spectacular, widely regarded as one of the year’s best matches. Littler, despite hitting a phenomenal 9-darter and averaging an incredible 113.68, was pushed to his absolute limit, eventually securing an 11-8 victory in what was his closest contest during a record-breaking Blackpool campaign.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. The pair also locked horns in the final of the 2025 Players Championship Finals, where Littler once again emerged victorious with an 11-8 scoreline, boasting a strong 103.33 average. A clear pattern has emerged in their head-to-head battles:
- Aspinall consistently fights valiantly, making every match a close contest.
- However, Aspinall has rarely managed to secure the win against Littler, especially on major stages.
Since their very first meeting at the 2024 Bahrain Masters – where Littler famously hit his first televised 9-darter in the PDC – they have met a total of 20 times. The statistics paint a clear picture:
- Luke Littler: 17 wins
- Nathan Aspinall: 3 wins
Crucially, all three of Aspinall’s victories have come in non-ranking events: one in the league phase of the Premier League and two on the World Series circuit last June. He has yet to defeat Littler in a major ranking tournament, a statistic he will be desperate to change.
Form Guide: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Both players have approached the 2026 season with a similar strategy, participating in a minimal number of ProTour events but consistently delivering strong performances when they do compete. Both have already claimed European Tour titles this year, showcasing their elite form despite fewer appearances.
Nathan Aspinall’s Performance
Aspinall’s overall 12-month average stands at 95.99, with a respectable 38.01% success rate on his crucial doubles. However, his game truly elevates on the big stage, whether it’s European Tours or major championships. In these high-pressure environments, his season average impressively rises to 99.66 – a figure that places him third among all 128 Tour Card holders, surpassed only by the two Lukes (Littler and Humphries).
Luke Littler’s Dominance
Unsurprisingly, Luke Littler’s numbers are nothing short of sensational. Over the last 12 months, he boasts an average of 101.24, hitting over 44% of his darts at double. His performance also sharpens on the biggest stages, where his 2026 average so far is an incredible 102.71, cementing his status as the world’s top player.
What’s Next for the Victor?
The winner of this high-stakes encounter will face either Jonny Clayton or Motomu Sakai in the Sunday afternoon session. A victory in this match not only means bragging rights but also a coveted spot in the final four, bringing them one step closer to lifting the World Series of Darts Finals trophy.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
