World Matchplay Darts: Luke Littler blows Josh Rock away and Dirk van Duijvenbode wins thriller against Gary Anderson to set up semi-final showdown
Luke Littler averaged 109.57 in a comprehensive display against Josh Rock; he will take on Dirk van Duijvenbode who won a thrilling match against Gary Anderson; you can watch the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports in Blackpool until July 26
Thursday 23 July 2026 23:26, UK
Luke Littler stormed into the semi-finals of the World Matchplay, thumping Josh Rock to set up a meeting with Dirk van Duijvenbode, who came through a thriller against Gary Anderson.
Litter beat Rock 16-7 as he looks to become the first person to go back-to-back at this tournament since Michael van Gerwen a decade ago.
In what is turning into a tournament for the record books, Littler's stats impressed once again. He posted a 109.57 average with 17 180s and a 53 per cent success rate on the doubles.
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"Another brilliant game for myself. I've gone 109, 113, 109 again [averages] so I've just got to keep it going," Littler told Sky Sports.
"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 met at the semi-final stage of this tournament just one year ago when Littler won an 18-15 epic, hitting a nine-darter on way.
However after a close opening 10 legs to get Thursday's match going, it was all Littler as he romped into another semi-final.
Rock was in the zone early in the contest and matched every break of throw that was thrown at him, a 129 checkout from 'The Nuke' a highlight as the pair of young stars looked in a real battle at 5-5.
However, as is now customary from Littler, he took control in second session to reel off five legs in a row. Remarkably, Rock did not get a dart at double in that period.
He increased that dominance to seven legs in a row before Rock could stop the onslaught. Two holds of throw were all that the Northern Irishman managed as he sat 13-6 behind.
The final blow then came in the 23rd leg when the 19-year-old broke Rock's throw again as he cleaned up 44.
With that, the defending champion came to hold his throw and with his third match dart, took his favourite D10.
Van Duijvenbode holds on after Anderson rally
Van Duijvenbode held off a phenomenal fightback from Anderson in a 16-13 thriller to book a spot in the semi-finals in Blackpool for the first time in his career.
The Dutchman was 15-8 ahead, just one from victory, when Anderson roared back and averaged over 114 to take five legs in a row including a massive 154 checkout. It looked like he simply was going to pull off a miracle.
However, just when he needed it, Van Duijvenbode found his form to pin D10 for a massive win.
"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 told Sky Sports.
"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."
The Dutchman added: "At some point I felt nerves in my stomach."
The opening session went the way of Van Duijvenbode, with the Dutchman finding two breaks of throw and finishing off the five legs with a 107 checkout to romp into a 4-1 lead.
The second session was similar to the first and when Van Duijvenbode found another break of throw and followed it with a clutch 112 checkout, it was looking ominous for Anderson with his opponent 8-3 ahead.
Anderson had work to do and he got going by taking out three legs on the spin, including a clutch bullseye finish for 84, to get back into the contest.
Van Duijvenbode stopped the rot with a hold of throw but had been reeled back into a contest at 9-6.
That was until Van Duijvenbode came back out on fire while the Flying Scotsman fell away in the next session with the Dutchman taking all five legs.
Anderson's throw was broken three times with a miracle looking the only option for the former world champion as he sat 14-6 behind.
And so nearly did a miracle occur. Anderson showed just he is one of the greats of the game, but Van Duijvenbode found the singular moment he needed to finally get over the line.
What is happening on Friday at the World Matchplay Darts?
The quarter-finals continue on Friday at the World Matchplay, live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Action.
Gian van Veen and James Wade will do battle in the quarter-finals for a second year in a row, with the world No 3 looking to avenge his loss to 'The Machine' in 2025.
Then, Gerwyn Price faces Ross Smith. Smith is through to the quarter-finals after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second round match in the fourth leg due to illness.
Who will win this year's World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
