Who is commentating Luke Littler v Dirk van Duijvenbode? Sky Sports coverage for World Matchplay semi-final

Match date: 25 July 2026

Luke Littler v Dirk van Duijvenbode in the World Matchplay will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Action, with Emma Paton presenting, Wayne Mardle as lead commentator, Dan Dawson on co-commentary, and Lewis Jones as master of ceremonies. Sky Sports has broadcast the tournament live throughout the event from Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, including the evening sessions on the relevant match days. [2][5][8]

The semi-final is one of the headline fixtures of the 2026 World Matchplay, with Littler arriving after a dominant win over Josh Rock and van Duijvenbode advancing from a high-quality thriller against Gary Anderson. Sky Sports reported Littler averaged 109.57 in his quarter-final, underlining why this matchup has attracted major attention among darts fans. [2][4]

Emma Paton has become one of Sky Sports’ most recognisable darts presenters, regularly fronting coverage across the PDC calendar. Wayne Mardle, a former PDC top-flight player and long-time Sky analyst, is one of the sport’s best-known voices because of his instant recognition, sharp tactical reading and passionate style. Dan Dawson is widely used across darts broadcasts as a commentator and presenter, bringing a detailed knowledge of the professional circuit and a clear, measured delivery. Lewis Jones is a familiar MC figure in live darts, helping set the atmosphere in the arena before and between matches. [5][8]

The World Matchplay remains one of the PDC’s premier televised events and is staged at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The tournament runs from 18 to 26 July 2026, and the latest Sky Sports coverage confirmed that all nine days are being broadcast live in the UK and Ireland, with international distribution through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners. [5][7][8]

For viewers looking for broader tournament context, the Matchplay sits alongside the PDC’s other major televised events such as the World Championship and Premier League, but it has a distinct identity thanks to its longer format and summer Blackpool setting. That combination often produces dramatic momentum swings, which is part of the appeal of a Littler-van Duijvenbode clash. [5][7]

Littler, the reigning World Matchplay champion according to Sky’s pre-tournament coverage, has again looked imperious in 2026, while van Duijvenbode’s route to the semi-finals has shown his scoring power and composure under pressure. That makes this a contest likely to hinge on finishing at the business end, especially if both players sustain the heavy scoring seen in earlier rounds. [2][4][8]

Supporters in the UK can follow the match on Sky Sports Action, with the wider tournament also available via Sky Sports’ multi-channel coverage and Sky’s streaming options. More information on the competition is available on the PDC World Matchplay page. [5][8]

Article generated: 25 July 2026, 21:45 GMT