Luke Littler delivered a commanding performance at the World Matchplay, dispatching Josh Rock 16‑7 to earn a place in the semi‑finals where he will face Dirk van Duijvenbode, who survived a nail‑biting encounter with Gary Anderson. Littler’s victory not only propels him into the tournament’s latter stages but also puts him on course to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen a decade ago to claim back‑to‑back titles at this event. Littler’s statistics from the match underscore his dominance.
He posted an impressive three‑dart average of 109.57, hit 17 maximum 180s, and converted doubles at a 53 percent success rate. Those numbers place him among the elite performers in World Matchplay history and highlight why he is being touted as a future star of the sport.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the young Englishman was visibly pleased. “Another brilliant game for myself. I’ve gone 109, 113, 109 again, so I’ve just got to keep it going,” he said, emphasizing his consistency across the tournament.
He also praised his opponent, noting, “Fair play to Josh. He gave me a really good game there. I think it was the third session where I won all five legs.
I kind of got myself into that lead and I just had to stay there and get the job done.” Littler and Rock have a recent history at this venue. Exactly one year earlier, they met in the semi‑finals, where Littler edged out an 18‑15 thriller, even throwing a nine‑dart finish en route to victory. This year, however, the contest unfolded very differently.
After a tight opening ten legs, Littler seized control and never looked back, cruising to a comfortable semi‑final berth. Rock started the match strongly, matching Littler’s breaks of throw and even hitting a spectacular 129 checkout that kept the contest level at 5‑5.
Yet Littler’s reputation for taking charge in the second session proved accurate. He rattled off five consecutive legs, during which Rock failed to land a single double. Littler then extended his streak to seven straight legs, leaving Rock scrambling to regain any foothold. The Northern Irishman managed only two holds of throw before falling 13‑6 behind.
The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg when the 19‑year‑old Littler broke Rock’s throw once more, finishing the leg with a clean 44. Rock managed to hold his own throw on the next dart, but Littler’s third match dart secured the win, allowing him to claim his favourite D10 and celebrate a resounding victory. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the draw, Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode survived a dramatic comeback attempt from Gary Anderson to book his first ever World Matchplay semi‑final in Blackpool.
Van Duijvenbode led 15‑8 and was just one leg away from the match when Anderson surged back, averaging over 114 and taking five consecutive legs, highlighted by a massive 154 checkout. It appeared Anderson might pull off a miracle, but Van Duijvenbode found his rhythm at the crucial moment, sealing the final leg with a decisive D10. Reflecting on the encounter, Van Duijvenbode told Sky Sports, “To be fair the break couldn’t come at a worse moment.
You just know Gary loves the game. He never gives up. He’s probably the best in the world when he hits the trebles.
I expected the 154. He didn’t miss, but I always think my opponent will hit it.” He added that he felt a flutter of nerves in his stomach, a natural response given the high stakes. The opening session of their match mirrored the later dominance Van Duijvenbode would display.
He secured two breaks of throw and finished the first five legs with a 107 checkout, establishing a 4‑1 lead. The second session followed a similar pattern, with another break of throw and a clutch 112 checkout extending his advantage to 8‑3. Anderson, however, fought back, taking three legs in succession, including a daring bullseye finish for 84, narrowing the gap. Van Duijvenbode held his own throw to keep the score at 9‑6, but Anderson continued to press, forcing Van Duijvenbode into a tense battle.
The Dutchman responded by winning five straight legs in the next session, breaking Anderson’s throw three times and pushing the lead to 14‑6. At that point, a miracle seemed the only realistic path for the former world champion.
Anderson displayed flashes of his legendary skill, but Van Duijvenbode seized the pivotal moment, delivering the final darts needed to clinch the match. The quarter‑finals are set to continue on Friday, with live coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports Main Event and Action. Among the upcoming clashes, Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive year, with Wade eager to avenge his 2025 loss to "The Machine". Additionally, Gerwyn Price will take on Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness. As the tournament progresses, fans will be watching closely to see who can capture this year’s World Matchplay crown.
Luke Littler, now defending champion, will look to add another title to his résumé, while the rest of the field will aim to upset the favorites. All the action will be available to stream via NOW, alongside a full slate of top‑level sport.