Luke Littler Shines in Bahrain Darts Masters
Back-to-back world champion Luke Littler kicked off his 2026 campaign at the Bahrain Darts Masters with an impressive 6-1 victory over seasoned player Paul Lim. This event marks Littler’s return since exciting fans by retaining the Sid Waddell Trophy at the Alexandra Palace on January 3rd, further solidifying his status as the world No. 1.
Dominant Start for Littler
In a match that showcased his exceptional skills, Littler, at just 18 years old, faced off against the fan-favorite Lim, who is 53 years his senior. Displaying a remarkable average of 106.5, Littler not only dominated the game but also achieved two ton-plus finishes, including the first ‘Big Fish’ checkout of the tournament. His accuracy was particularly notable; he converted six out of eight attempts at double, sealing the victory with a 14-darter.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler acknowledged Lim’s lengthy career and skill, emphasizing his excitement to start the season strong in Bahrain. “It’s always good to be back in Bahrain. This is the start of the new season for us, and you want to start the year off right, with a title,” he shared.
Quarter-Final Matchups
Looking ahead, Littler is set to face Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals. Price, who narrowly overcame Motomu Sakai 6-4, previously defeated Littler at the same stage of last year’s event, adding an extra layer of anticipation to their upcoming match.
Meanwhile, other notable players made their mark in the tournament. World Championship runner-up Gian van Veen secured a significant 6-2 win over Man Lok Leung, while Luke Humphries continued his impressive form by eliminating Abdulla Saeed in straight legs for the third consecutive year. Michael van Gerwen, defending champion Stephen Bunting, Danny Noppert, and Nathan Aspinall also advanced to the quarter-finals.
High-Scoring Drama
Littler’s match had its own dramatic moments. Lim initially leveled the score with a 74 finish, but Littler quickly took control with a sensational 170 checkout in the third leg. Following that remarkable achievement, he continued to dominate with an 11-darter break in the fourth leg. Littler’s successive checkouts of 121 and his mastery over doubles highlighted why he is a player to watch this season.
Humphries maintained a high level of play, averaging 103.66 and expressing satisfaction with his performance. With aspirations for a stronger start this year, he is keen to keep his momentum going in the tournament. His upcoming match against Nathan Aspinall promises to be intriguing as both players vie for a place in the semi-finals.
The Lineup for Quarter-Finals
The excitement continues as the quarter-finals are set to unfold:
- Luke Littler vs. Gerwyn Price
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Stephen Bunting
- Luke Humphries vs. Nathan Aspinall
- Gian van Veen vs. Danny Noppert
Following the quarter-finals, the semi-finals will be a best-of-13 legs showdown, paving the way for a thrilling final that will be a best-of-15 legs.
Final Thoughts on the Tournament
As the Bahrain Darts Masters progresses, the world of darts continues to watch closely. With Sky Sports broadcasting all the action, fans can enjoy every check, throw, and celebration live. As the players gear up for the next matches, anticipation builds for epic confrontations and unexpected outcomes in what promises to be a riveting season of darts.
