Luke Littler delivered a commanding performance at the World Matchplay, cruising past Josh Rock with a 16-7 victory to book his place in the semi-finals. His win sets up a clash with Dirk van Duijvenbode, who survived a nail‑biting encounter with Gary Anderson to reach the same stage. Littler’s triumph is particularly significant because it puts him on course to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen a decade ago to defend his World Matchhead title in consecutive years. The 19‑year‑old posted a staggering 109.57 three‑dart average, hammered 17 maximums (180s) and hit doubles with a 53% success rate – figures that underscore his dominance throughout the match.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the win, Littler said, "Another brilliant game for myself. I've gone 109, 113, 109 again, so I've just got to keep it going." He added praise for his opponent: "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 young talents had already met at the semi‑final stage a year earlier, when Littler edged Rock 18‑15 in a marathon that featured a nine‑dart finish. This time, however, the opening ten legs were tightly contested before Littler seized control, stringing together a series of high‑scoring visits that left Rock scrambling. Rock started strongly, matching Littler’s breaks of throw and even producing a spectacular 129 checkout that brought the score to 5‑5. Yet Littler’s consistency soon tipped the balance.
In the second session he rattled off five consecutive legs, during which Rock failed to land a single double. The momentum continued as Littler extended his run to seven straight legs, pushing the lead to 13‑6. The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg when the teenager broke Rock’s throw once more, finishing the leg with a clean 44. Rock managed to hold his own throw afterward, but Littler’s third match dart secured the set, allowing him to claim his favourite D10 and seal the victory.
Meanwhile, in the other semi‑final, Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode survived a fierce comeback from Gary Anderson to win 16‑13, earning his first semi‑final appearance at Blackpool. Van Duijvenbode had built a 15‑8 lead and was just one leg away from the final when Anderson roared back, averaging over 114 and delivering a massive 154 checkout to win five legs in a row. It appeared the English veteran might pull off a miracle.
Van Duijvenbode, however, found his rhythm at the crucial moment, hitting a decisive double ten to clinch the match. He later explained to 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. At some point I felt nerves in my stomach." The opening session of that quarter‑final saw van Duijvenbode break twice and finish with a 107 checkout to lead 4‑1. The second session mirrored the first, with another break and a clutch 112 checkout extending his advantage to 8‑3.
Anderson fought back, taking three legs in succession, including a dramatic bullseye finish for 84, narrowing the gap to 9‑6. Van Duijvenbode held his own throw but was pressured back to 9‑6 before launching a furious comeback of his own, taking all five legs of the next session. Anderson’s throw was broken three times, and the former world champion found himself trailing 14‑6, with a miracle seemingly the only path forward.
In the end, Anderson displayed the class that has defined his career, but van Duijvenbode seized the pivotal moment, sealing the win and advancing to the semi‑finals. The quarter‑finals continue on Friday, with live coverage from 7:30 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action. Returning to the stage are Gian van Veen and James Wade, who will meet for the second consecutive year, while world No. 3 Gerwyn Price faces Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness.
Fans can look forward to a thrilling conclusion to this year’s World Matchplay, where Luke Littler will defend his title against a formidable opponent in van Duijvenbode. All the action will be streamed live on Sky Sports and can also be accessed through the NOW platform for those who prefer online viewing.