Luke Littler's World Matchplay title defence continued with a 16-7 quarter-final win over Josh Rock in Blackpool on Thursday evening. The 19-year-old moved through to the semi-finals after taking control with five straight legs, ending Rock's challenge after the pair had been level at 5-5.
Luke Littler beat Niko Springer and Nathan Aspinall to set up the quarter-final against Josh Rock
Rock had initially matched the world number one as the two players traded breaks to stay level. But once Littler surged clear, there was no way back for Rock as the defending champion produced a dominant display to reach the last four.
After throwing 17 180s and averaging 109.57, Littler said:
At the minute, everything's going to plan.
The teenager added:
I feel good. I can afford to miss a few doubles because the scoring's there.
He also said:
Once again another brilliant performance, but fair play to Josh, he put up a good fight.
Littler will play unseeded Dirk van Duijvenbode of the Netherlands in Saturday's semi-final.
How did Dirk van Duijvenbode reach the semi-finals?
Earlier on Thursday evening, tournament outsider Van Duijvenbode survived a late surge from Gary Anderson to reach his first Matchplay semi-final. Anderson, the 2018 World Matchplay champion, threatened to close an eight-leg deficit with a strong late showing that included a 154 checkout, but Van Duijvenbode held on for a 16-13 win.
Reflecting on his second-round tie-break win over Michael van Gerwen, Van Duijvenbode had said that shaking
like a little child crying for his mumallowed his compatriot back into match after leading 8-4.
On Thursday, after leading 8-4 again, Van Duijvenbode dropped two consecutive legs but then won the next six without reply to move into a 14-6 lead. However, it took a further nine legs before he finally sealed the tie as a resurgent Anderson pushed him hard.
What is the schedule for the rest of the event?
Friday's World Matchplay schedule features the quarter-finals from 20:05 BST.
The confirmed fixtures are (3) Gian van Veen vs James Wade (6) and (7) Gerwyn Price vs Ross Smith (15).
World Matchplay Darts 2026 - Schedule, draw and prize money
Thursday's World Matchplay results
Numbers in brackets indicate seedings.
Van Duijvenbode 16-13 Anderson (12)
Key Facts
- Luke Littler beat Josh Rock 16-7 in Blackpool to reach the World Matchplay semi-finals.
- Littler hit 17 180s and averaged 109.57 in the quarter-final.
- He will face unseeded Dirk van Duijvenbode of the Netherlands on Saturday.
- Van Duijvenbode beat Gary Anderson 16-13 to reach his first Matchplay semi-final.
- Friday's quarter-finals begin at 20:05 BST, with Gian van Veen v James Wade and Gerwyn Price v Ross Smith.
