Luke Littler powered his way into the semi-finals of the World Matchplay with a commanding victory over Josh Rock, earning a clash with Dirk van Duijvenbode, who survived a nail‑biting encounter with Gary Anderson. Littler dispatched Rock 16‑7, putting himself in position to become the first player to defend the World Matchplay title since Michael van Gerwen did so a decade ago. Littler’s performance was another statistical showcase. He posted a 109.57 three‑dart average, rattled off 17 maximums (180s), and hit a 53 percent success rate on the doubles, underscoring his consistency and finishing prowess.
"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 got the job done." The two young talents first 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 tightly contested opening ten legs, Littler surged ahead and never looked back. Rock started brightly, matching Littler’s breaks of throw and even hitting a spectacular 129 checkout to level the match at 5‑5. Yet Littler’s second‑session dominance was unmistakable; he ran five consecutive legs without giving Rock a chance at a double, then extended the streak to seven.
By the time the score read 13‑6, Rock managed only two holds of throw. The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg when the 19‑year‑old broke Rock’s throw again, sealing the leg with a tidy 44 finish.
Littler then held his own throw, and with his third dart he hit his preferred double ten to clinch the match. On the opposite side of the bracket, Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode survived a fierce comeback from Gary Anderson to book his first semi‑final appearance at Blackpool. Van Duijvenbode led 15‑8 and was just one leg away from victory when Anderson roared back, averaging over 114 and stringing together five straight legs, highlighted by a massive 154 checkout.
It seemed a miracle might be in the making, but van Duijvenbode regained his composure, hitting a crucial double ten to close out the match 16‑13. "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 opening session saw van Duijvenbode break twice and finish the first five legs with a 107 checkout, taking a 4‑1 lead. The second session mirrored the first; another break of throw and a clutch 112 checkout put him 8‑3 ahead.
Anderson fought back, taking three legs in a row, including an 84 bullseye finish, before van Duijvenbode held his throw to make it 9‑6. The Dutchman then ignited a five‑leg run while Anderson’s momentum stalled, leaving the former world champion trailing 14‑6. Though Anderson displayed his trademark resilience, van Duijvenbode found the decisive moment to seal the win.
The quarter‑finals continue on Friday, live from 7.30 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action. Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for a second consecutive year, with Wade looking to avenge his 2025 defeat at the hands of "The Machine". Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price faces Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second‑round match due to illness.
The question now looms: who will lift the World Matchplay trophy this year? Luke Littler, the defending champion, will be looking to make history, while van Duijvenbode aims to cement his breakthrough. Fans can catch every throw on Sky Sports or stream the action through NOW, which offers live darts alongside a range of other top‑tier sports.