Luke Littler delivered a commanding performance in the World Matchplay, dispatching Josh Rock 16-7 to book a semi-final encounter with Dirk van Duijvenbode, who survived a gripping duel against Gary Anderson. Littler's victory not only moves him into the last four but also puts him on course to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen a decade ago to retain the World Matchplay title in consecutive years.
The 19‑year‑old's statistics from the match underline his dominance. He posted a 109.57 three‑dart average, hit 17 maximums (180s), and converted more than half of his double attempts (53%). Such numbers are impressive in any setting, but to achieve them while keeping a steady lead over a seasoned opponent like Rock highlights Littler's growing maturity on the big stage. "Another brilliant game for myself.
I've gone 109, 113, 109 again," Littler told Sky Sports after the win, emphasizing his focus on maintaining consistency. "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." Littler and Rock have a recent history at this venue.
A year earlier, the two met in the semi‑finals, where Littler edged a marathon 18‑15 encounter that featured a nine‑dart finish from the Englishman. This time, however, the contest was far less even.
After a tight opening ten legs, Littler seized the initiative and never looked back. Rock started brightly, matching Littler's breaks of throw and even producing a spectacular 129 checkout that brought the score to 5‑5. Yet Littler's reputation for taking control in the second session proved accurate. He rattled off five consecutive legs, during which Rock failed to land a single dart at double.
The momentum continued as Littler extended the run to seven straight legs, leaving Rock with only two successful holds of throw and a scoreline of 13‑6. The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg when Littler broke Rock's throw once more, finishing the leg with a tidy 44. The defending champion then held his own throw, and with his third match dart he clinched the leg and the match, securing his place in the semi‑finals. Across the other half of the draw, Dirk van Duijvenbode survived a fierce comeback from Gary Anderson to win 16‑13, earning his first semi‑final appearance at Blackpool.
Van Duijvenbode led 15‑8 and was just one leg away from victory when Anderson surged back, averaging over 114 and taking five successive legs, highlighted by a massive 154 checkout. It seemed a miracle was imminent, but van Duijvenbode steadied himself, hitting his double ten to seal the win.
"To be fair the break couldn't come at a worse moment. You just know Gary loves the game. He never gives up," van Duijvenbode said. "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 match had begun much like the final result, with van Duijvenbode taking two early breaks of throw and finishing the opening five legs with a 107 checkout, establishing a 4‑1 lead.
The second session mirrored the first; another break and a clutch 112 checkout pushed the Dutchman to an 8‑3 advantage. Anderson fought back, stringing together three legs, including an 84 finish on the bullseye, narrowing the gap to 9‑6. Van Duijvenbode held his throw to keep the lead, but Anderson kept pressing.
The turning point came when van Duijvenbode produced a five‑leg streak in the next session, breaking Anderson three times and extending the lead to 14‑6. Anderson, a former world champion, looked for a miracle, but van Duijvenbode found the decisive double at the right moment to close the match. The quarter‑finals continue on Friday, with live coverage from 7.30 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action.
Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive year, while world No 3 Gerwyn Price is set to clash with Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness. Looking ahead, the question remains: who will lift the World Matchplay trophy this year?
Luke Littler, now defending champion, will aim to become the first back‑to‑back winner since van Gerwen, while the likes of van Duijvenbode, Anderson, and Price all have a realistic shot at the title. Fans can follow every throw on Sky Sports or stream the action through NOW, ensuring the excitement of professional darts remains accessible to a global audience.