Luke Littler delivered a commanding performance at the World Matchplay, crushing Josh Rock 16-7 to book a semi‑final clash with Dirk van Duijvenbode, who had survived a nail‑biting encounter with Gary Anderson. Littler’s victory not only propelled him into the last four but also put him on course to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen a decade ago to retain the World Matchplay title in consecutive years. Littler’s statistics from the match underline just how dominant he was. He posted an average of 109.57, rattled off 17 maximums (180s) and hit doubles with a 53% success rate – figures that would impress any seasoned professional.
After the win, the 19‑year‑old said to Sky Sports, “Another brilliant game for myself. I’ve gone 109, 113, 109 again, so I’ve just got to keep it going.” He also praised his opponent, adding, “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 got the job done.” The two had met at the semi‑final stage a year earlier, when Littler edged Rock 18-15 in an epic that featured a nine‑dart finish.
This time, after a tight opening ten‑leg stretch, Littler took control and never looked back. Rock started brightly, matching every break of throw and even hitting a 129 checkout that brought the score to 5‑5, but Littler responded by stringing together five consecutive legs in the second session – a run in which Rock did not even get a dart at a double. Littler extended that streak to seven legs, leaving Rock trailing 13‑6. The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg when Littler broke Rock’s throw once more, finishing the leg with a clean 44.
The defending champion then held his own throw and, with his third match dart, sealed the leg on his preferred double 10. With that, Littler secured his place in the semi‑finals and kept his dream of back‑to‑back titles alive. On the opposite side of the draw, Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode fought off a sensational comeback from Gary Anderson to win 16-13 and claim his first semi‑final appearance at Blackpool.
Van Duijvenbode had been 15‑8 up and was just one leg away from victory when Anderson surged back, averaging over 114 and taking five straight legs, including a massive 154 checkout that raised hopes of a miracle. Yet van Duijvenbode steadied himself, found a crucial double 10 and closed out the match. Reflecting on the finish, 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 admitted he felt “nerves in my stomach” during the high‑pressure moments.
The match had begun much like the rest of van Duijvenbode’s tournament, with the Dutchman taking two early breaks of throw and sealing the first five legs with a 107 checkout to lead 4‑1. In the second session he repeated the pattern, breaking again and hitting a clutch 112 checkout to push the score to 8‑3. Anderson fought back, taking three legs in a row and even delivering a bullseye finish for 84, but van Duijvenbode held his own throw to keep the lead at 9‑6. Anderson then seemed to regain momentum, breaking van Duijvenbode’s throw three times and pulling the score back to 14‑6, making a miracle look plausible.
However, van Duijvenbode found a second wind, winning all five legs of the next session and ultimately sealing the match. The Dutchman’s composure under pressure demonstrated why he is now considered one of the sport’s rising stars. The quarter‑finals continue on Friday, with live coverage from 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action.
Returning to the draw, Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive quarter‑final, giving the world No. 3 a chance to avenge his 2025 loss to “The Machine.” In another match, Gerwyn Price faces Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be watching to see who can lift the coveted World Matchplay trophy. Luke Littler, now the defending champion, will look to cement his status with a second title, while Dirk van Duijvenbode hopes to continue his breakthrough run.
All the action can be streamed live on Sky Sports or via NOW, which offers a convenient way to follow darts and other top‑level sports.