The World Matchplay is one of the most prestigious events in the darts calendar, and its history is marked by the incredible success of Phil Taylor, who won 15 titles between 1994 and 2014.
Littler, as the current champion, must navigate the pressures of expectation and the fierce competition that comes with defending a title in such a high-stakes environment.
The tournament takes place in Blackpool, a venue that has seen many legendary performances, making it a challenging backdrop for any player looking to repeat their success.