Luke Littler currently holds the number two position in the world rankings.
World champion Luke Littler overcame a determined comeback from Andrew Gilding to secure his place in the World Matchplay semi-final, where he will face Josh Rock.
Littler appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory after establishing a significant lead in the quarter-final at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, first at 12-8 and later at 14-9.
However, Gilding responded with a surge, winning three consecutive legs to narrow the gap to 15-14. The 18-year-old Littler demonstrated composure, ultimately clinching a 16-14 victory.
He is now set to compete against Rock for a spot in the final, following the Northern Irishman’s 16-11 triumph over 2023 runner-up Gerwyn Price.
Littler’s performance included an impressive average of 103.91, surpassing Gilding’s 98.45, and he recorded 18 maximums en route to his first semi-final appearance at the prestigious triple crown event.
“[The crowd] got their money’s worth. I think they wanted 15-all but that last leg, I just had to stay focused,” he told Sky Sports.
“I didn’t really panic. Leg by leg, Andrew started to win a few on the trot, but on the last leg, against the darts, I just had to get over the line.
“He played his part, it’s very tough. Andrew never goes out of rhythm, he’s the same throw by throw. I just had to find a rhythm to match him.”
Littler had hinted at an exciting contest in the fourth quarter-final, and Rock delivered on that promise.
Both the 24-year-old (104.02) and Price (100.21) achieved averages above 100, but it was Rock who capitalized, winning three consecutive legs to take an 11-8 lead and subsequently extending his advantage to 13-9.
Price mounted a comeback to narrow the score to 13-11, but Rock – who previously defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in round two – sealed the match in style, winning the final three legs and executing a remarkable 164 checkout in the last leg.
“I’m on cloud nine at the minute. What a game,” Rock told on Sky Sports.
“I was just like, ‘Josh, you’re doing nothing wrong, you’re playing your own game, happy days’. The form Gerwyn’s in, you know what to expect.
“Littler’s one of my closest friends behind the scenes. I hope we both turn up. Hopefully it will be a cracking game.”
The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday evening, with England’s James Wade facing Jonny Clayton of Wales, preceding Littler’s highly anticipated match against Rock.