In a stunning post-match outburst, Nathan Aspinall has sensationally called for an official investigation into Luke Littler’s perfect nine-darter, claiming the teenage sensation’s historic feat “doesn’t sit right” following their second-round World Matchplay clash.
Littler, 19, secured an 11-8 victory over Aspinall to book a Quarter-Final showdown with Josh Rock. But the match’s defining moment—a blistering nine-dart finish from Littler in the 15th leg—has been overshadowed by Aspinall’s incendiary accusations.
“I’m not one to make excuses, but that nine-darter was suspicious,” Aspinall told reporters, his face flushed. “The speed, the trajectory—it looked programmed. I want the PDC to review the board calibration and the dart weights. I’ve never seen a kid that age hit one that clean under that pressure. It’s not sour grapes; it’s protecting the integrity of our sport.”
The 2023 World Matchplay runner-up stopped short of accusing Littler of cheating but insisted “every angle” must be scrutinized before the tournament proceeds.
Littler, who averaged 104.7 and landed seven 180s, dismissed the claims with a shrug. “He’s just frustrated. I hit it, it’s on camera, end of. Bring on Josh Rock—I’ll do it again if I have to.”
The PDC released a brief statement confirming all boards undergo pre-match testing and that “no irregularities” were detected. However, sources suggest officials will review the footage as a formality.
The controversy has split the darts world. Former world champion John Part called Aspinall’s plea “embarrassing,” while rival Gerwyn Price tweeted: “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the Winter Gardens.”
Littler now faces Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock on Thursday night, with Rock himself already joking: “I’ll bring my own darts and my own board—just in case.”
For Aspinall, the defeat marks a bitter exit, but his investigation demand ensures the headlines won’t fade before Littler’s next walk-on.