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 gripping encounter with Gary Anderson. Littler’s victory not only propels him into the next round but also positions him as a potential back-to-back champion, a feat not achieved since Michael van Gerwen did it ten years ago. The 19‑year‑old English prodigy posted an impressive 109.57 three‑dart average, hammered 17 maximums (180s) and hit doubles with a 53% success rate.
"Another brilliant game for myself. I've gone 109, 113, 109 again, so I've just got to keep it going," Littler told Sky Sports after the match. He added, "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 stage of the tournament; a year earlier they met in the semi‑finals, where Littler edged a dramatic 18‑15 win that included a nine‑dart finish. This time, after a closely contested first ten legs, Littler seized control and never looked back.
Rock started strongly, matching Littler’s throws and even hitting a 129 checkout that highlighted the early balance of the contest at 5‑5. However, Littler’s second‑session surge was decisive.
He rattled off five consecutive legs, during which Rock failed to land a single double. The momentum continued as Littler extended the run to seven straight legs, leaving Rock with only two hold‑of‑throw successes and a scoreboard of 13‑6 in favour of the Englishman.
The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg when Littler broke Rock’s throw again, finishing the leg with a clean 44. Rock managed to hold his throw thereafter, but Littler’s third dart secured the win, sealing his place in the semi‑finals and keeping his title defence hopes alive.
On the opposite side of the draw, Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode survived a fierce comeback from Gary Anderson to clinch a 16‑13 victory, earning his first semi‑final appearance at Blackpool. Van Duijvenbode led 15‑8, needing just one more leg for the win, when Anderson roared back, averaging over 114 and taking five successive legs, including a spectacular 154 checkout. It seemed a miracle might be on the horizon, but Van Duijvenbode found his composure, hitting the crucial double ten to close the match. "The break couldn't have come at a worse moment," Van Duijvenbode admitted.
"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 saw Van Duijvenbode establish a 4‑1 lead, capitalising on two breaks of throw and sealing the fifth leg with a 107 checkout. The second session mirrored the first; another break and a clutch 112 checkout pushed the Dutchman to an 8‑3 advantage. Anderson fought back, taking three legs in a row, including a decisive bullseye for 84, but Van Duijvenbode held his own, keeping the score at 9‑6.
In the third session the Dutchman went on a five‑leg streak while Anderson’s form dipped, leaving the Scot trailing 14‑6. Anderson, a former world champion, showed flashes of his legendary resilience, but Van Duijvenbode seized the critical moment and closed out the match. The quarter‑finals will continue on Friday, with live coverage from 7.30 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action.
Returning to the draw, Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive quarter‑final clash, while Gerwyn Price is set to face Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness. As the tournament progresses, fans will be watching to see if Luke Littler can repeat his triumph and become the first player in a decade to defend the World Matchplay title. The excitement builds, and the action will be streamed live via NOW, offering darts enthusiasts a front‑row seat to every high‑scoring leg and dramatic finish.