Luke Littler delivered a commanding performance at the World Matchplay, cruising past Josh Rock with a 16‑7 victory and earning a place in the semi‑finals where he will face Dirk van Duijvenbode, who survived a dramatic showdown against Gary Anderson. Littler’s triumph over Rock not only put him back in the latter stages of the tournament but also positioned him to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen a decade ago to claim back‑to‑back titles at this event. The 19‑year‑old posted an impressive 109.57 three‑dart average, rattled off 17 maximums (180s) and hit doubles at a 53 percent success rate, underscoring his relentless scoring power. "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. "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 in the semi‑finals a year earlier, when Littler edged out Rock 18‑15 in an epic that featured a nine‑dart finish. This time, after a tightly contested first ten legs, Littler seized control and never looked back. Rock started brightly, matching every break of throw and even hitting a spectacular 129 checkout to level the match at 5‑5. However, Littler’s second‑session surge was relentless; he strung together five consecutive legs, during which Rock failed to land a single double.
The streak extended to seven straight legs, leaving Rock trailing 13‑6 with only two holds of throw to his name. The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg when Littler broke Rock’s throw once more, sealing a 44 finish and then, with his third match dart, hitting his preferred D10 to close the encounter. The defending champion’s composure under pressure was evident, and his victory now sets up a clash with the Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, who earned his semi‑final berth after a nail‑biting 16‑13 win over Anderson.
Van Duijvenbode’s quarter‑final against Anderson was a roller‑coaster. He surged ahead 15‑8, needing just one more leg to clinch the match, when Anderson roared back, averaging over 114 and producing a massive 154 checkout.
The Englishman seemed on the brink of a miraculous comeback, but Van Duijvenbode steadied himself, reclaimed his form and ultimately hit the winning D10 to secure the upset. "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 Dutchman’s early session saw him break twice and finish with a 107 checkout, building a 4‑1 lead. In the second session he repeated the pattern, adding another break and a clutch 112 finish to push the score to 8‑3. Anderson fought back, taking three legs in a row, including a daring bullseye for 84, but Van Duijvenbode responded with a hold of throw, keeping the margin at 9‑6.
The momentum swung dramatically in the next session when Van Duijvenbode took five consecutive legs, leaving Anderson 14‑6 down and forced to chase a near‑impossible miracle. Anderson, a former world champion, displayed his class by clawing back a few legs, but Van Duijvenbode found the decisive moment, sealing the match and advancing to his first semi‑final in Blackpool. The quarter‑finals 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 year, with the world No.
3 eager to avenge his 2025 loss to "The Machine". Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price is set to face Ross Smith, who progressed after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness. As the tournament moves toward its climax, all eyes will be on Littler, who now defends his title. His blend of high scoring, clinical finishing and composure makes him a formidable contender.
Fans can follow every dart thrown on Sky Sports or stream the action through NOW, which offers live darts alongside other top‑level sport. The World Matchplay promises more drama, high‑octane finishes and the potential for historic records as the remaining competitors battle for the coveted trophy.