Luke Littler delivered a masterclass performance at the World Matchplay, dispatching Josh Rock with a decisive 16-7 victory and earning a place in the semi-finals against Dirk van Duijvenbode, who survived a nail‑biting encounter with Gary Anderson. Littler’s win not only propels him into the latter stages of the tournament but also puts him on course to become the first player since Michael van Gerwen a decade ago to claim back‑to‑back titles at this prestigious event. The 19‑year‑old English prodigy posted a staggering average of 109.57, struck 17 maximums (180s) and hit doubles with a 53% success rate – statistics that underline his relentless scoring power and clinical finishing.
"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 praised his opponent, adding, "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 they met in the semi‑finals, where Littler edged a thrilling 18‑15 win after hitting a nine‑dart finish.
This time, however, the contest was far less balanced. After a tight opening ten legs that set the tone for Thursday’s match, Littler surged ahead, stringing together a series of dominant legs that left Rock scrambling. Rock started strongly, matching every break of throw and even producing a spectacular 129 checkout that highlighted his potential. At 5‑5 the match appeared evenly poised, but Littler quickly asserted control in the second session, winning five consecutive legs without giving Rock a single dart at double.
He then extended that run to seven straight legs, pushing the score to 13‑6. Rock managed only two holds of throw during this stretch, and Littler’s relentless pressure proved too much. The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd leg when the teenage sensation broke Rock’s throw once more, finishing the leg with a clean 44.
Rock held his throw on the next visit, but Littler’s third match dart secured his favourite D10, sealing a comprehensive victory. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the draw, Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode fought off a fierce comeback from former world champion Gary Anderson to claim his first semi‑final berth at Blackpool. Van Duijvenbode led 15‑8 and was one leg away from victory when Anderson roared back, averaging over 114 and taking five legs in a row, highlighted by an impressive 154 checkout. It seemed the English veteran might pull off a miracle, but Van Duijvenbode regained composure, hitting his own D10 to clinch 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 of their encounter saw Van Duijvenbode 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 checkout to push the score to 8‑3. Anderson fought back, taking three legs in a row, including a daring bullseye finish for 84, but Van Duijvenbode held his own, keeping the gap at 9‑6. The Dutchman then ignited a five‑leg run in the third session, leaving Anderson trailing 14‑6 and forcing the former champion to consider a miraculous comeback.
Anderson answered with a brief resurgence, but Van Duijvenbode’s composure and timely doubles ultimately secured his place in the semi‑finals. The quarter‑finals will continue on Friday, with live coverage from 7.30 pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action. Fans can look forward to a repeat clash between Gian van Veen and James Wade – a second‑year showdown in which the world No. 3 will seek revenge for his 2025 loss to "The Machine".
In another quarter‑final, Gerwyn Price will take on Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew due to illness. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Luke Littler, who now defends his title and aims to become the first back‑to‑back World Matchplay champion since van Gerwen.
The excitement builds for the upcoming semi‑finals, where Littler will test his mettle against the resilient Dirk van Duijvenbode. Viewers can catch every dart, every checkout, and every dramatic moment on Sky Sports, or stream the action through NOW for those who prefer online viewing. The World Matchplay continues to deliver high‑octane darts, and this year’s edition promises to be one of the most memorable in recent memory.