Luke Littler responds after making major change at 2025 World Matchplay that has divided fans

Luke Littler has responded after making a significant change for his first-round victory over Ryan Searle at the 2025 World Matchplay in Blackpool.

The reigning world champion took a 10-2 victory in legs against Searle, averaging an impressive 106.

He also hit five 180s and 10 of his 19 attempts on double, with Searle's more than respectable average of 98 showing what an impressive performance Littler put in.

The Englishman will now take on Netherlands' Jermaine Wattimena in the round of 16 on Wednesday.

Littler's display meant he avoided being one of the top stars to be eliminated at the first hurdle at the iconic Winter Gardens venue.

World number one Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, Damon Heta and Rob Cross were all dumped out over the weekend.

LITTLER WINS HIS FIRST AT THE WINTER GARDENS!

Luke Littler wins his first ever game at the World Matchplay, as the World Champion beats Ryan Searle 10-2, with an average just shy of 109!

📺 https://t.co/ZboV9dF4Ji #MatchplayDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/75CMYiBh3f

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025

Heading in to the match, Littler made a significant change that, just like when Michael van Gerwen did likewise earlier this year (albeit as a one-off), was met with a mixed reception.

The 18-year-old debuted a new darts shirt, which keeps his trademark purple and yellow design but with some slight differences.

The shirt sleeves remain yellow but with a different pattern, while some sponsors and his 'nuke' logo have been removed.

That logo does still feature on the front of the shirt, which is now fully purple.

He is also sponsored by Target, Xbox and boohooMAN among others.

The shirt received a mixed response from darts fans.

One wrote: "Littler's new shirt looks incredible."

However, a second asked: "WHAT is that shirt Luke Littler."

And a third said: "Definitely prefer the last one."

While a fourth called for a new rule change: "Darts players need to adopt an away kit in the event of a clash."

Around an hour before his first round clash got underway, Littler took to Instagram to directly respond to the fan reception to his new shirt.

In an Instagram story, he posted a screenshot of two of the responses with the caption: "See you on stage very soon."

Speaking to Sky Sports' Emma Paton and Wayne Mardle after his win, Littler admitted that he had been practicing for 'hours and hours' in a departure from his usual pre-match routine.

"I'm so glad to get that win, get that winning feeling, and I just can't wait to come back," he said.

"I felt very comfortable. I have been practicing so much. I've just been putting in hours and hours. I'm glad it's paid off.

"All eyes are on me now. I will just take it game by game, I want to get it over and done with. I'm just happy to win my first game, get that winning feeling."