Luke Littler finishes with a flourish to reach World Matchplay semi-finals
The world champion never went behind and produced a 103.91 average to set up a semi-final against Josh Rock at Blackpool.
Littler had a five-leg advantage at one point in the contest, during which he produced 18 maximums.
However, Gilding set up a tense finish – with a 160 finish the highlight of a three-leg streak by the former UK Open champion.
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You lot got your moneys worth again😅😂 over the line and into the semi finals🫡 pic.twitter.com/BrODgkB0W6 — Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) July 25, 2025
Littler, 18, said afterwards: 'I just had to stay focused, and I'm so glad to get over the line.
'Andrew is a top player. He fought back really well, and that's why he's a major champion.
'He's such a tough opponent, but I didn't panic. I missed a few doubles at times, but my scoring power was really strong tonight.
'The atmosphere was unbelievable. I really didn't want to go to a tie-break, so to hit an 11-darter with back-to-back 180s was class.'
Rock managed a 104.02 average in his 16-11 win over Gerwyn Price, the fourth quarter-final to be played at the Winter Gardens.
The victor said afterwards: 'I can't wait to finally play Luke on the big stage. The darting world will be watching that game.
'Luke is one of my close friends behind the scenes. Hopefully we both turn up, but I'm sure it will be a cracking game.'
Saturday's other best-of-33 leg semi-final sees James Wade face Jonny Clayton.
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The 42
13 hours ago
- The 42
Luke Littler finishes with a flourish to reach World Matchplay semi-finals
LUKE LITTLER PRODUCED an impressive 11-dart leg to seal a 16-14 victory over Andrew Gilding in their Betfred World Matchplay quarter-final. The world champion never went behind and produced a 103.91 average to set up a semi-final against Josh Rock at Blackpool. Littler had a five-leg advantage at one point in the contest, during which he produced 18 maximums. However, Gilding set up a tense finish – with a 160 finish the highlight of a three-leg streak by the former UK Open champion. Advertisement You lot got your moneys worth again😅😂 over the line and into the semi finals🫡 — Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) July 25, 2025 Littler, 18, said afterwards: 'I just had to stay focused, and I'm so glad to get over the line. 'Andrew is a top player. He fought back really well, and that's why he's a major champion. 'He's such a tough opponent, but I didn't panic. I missed a few doubles at times, but my scoring power was really strong tonight. 'The atmosphere was unbelievable. I really didn't want to go to a tie-break, so to hit an 11-darter with back-to-back 180s was class.' Rock managed a 104.02 average in his 16-11 win over Gerwyn Price, the fourth quarter-final to be played at the Winter Gardens. The victor said afterwards: 'I can't wait to finally play Luke on the big stage. The darting world will be watching that game. 'Luke is one of my close friends behind the scenes. Hopefully we both turn up, but I'm sure it will be a cracking game.' Saturday's other best-of-33 leg semi-final sees James Wade face Jonny Clayton.
Irish Examiner
13 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Luke Littler finishes with a flourish to reach World Matchplay semi-finals
Luke Littler produced an impressive 11-dart leg to seal a 16-14 victory over Andrew Gilding in their Betfred World Matchplay quarter-final. The world champion never went behind and produced a 103.91 average to set up a semi-final against Josh Rock at Blackpool. Littler had a five-leg advantage at one point in the contest, during which he produced 18 maximums. You lot got your moneys worth again😅😂 over the line and into the semi finals🫡 — Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) July 25, 2025 However, Gilding set up a tense finish – with a 160 finish the highlight of a three-leg streak by the former UK Open champion. Littler, 18, said afterwards: 'I just had to stay focused, and I'm so glad to get over the line. 'Andrew is a top player. He fought back really well, and that's why he's a major champion. 'He's such a tough opponent, but I didn't panic. I missed a few doubles at times, but my scoring power was really strong tonight. I just had to stay focused, and I'm so glad to get over the line 'The atmosphere was unbelievable. I really didn't want to go to a tie-break, so to hit an 11-darter with back-to-back 180s was class.' Rock managed a 104.02 average in his 16-11 win over Gerwyn Price, the fourth quarter-final to be played at the Winter Gardens. The victor said afterwards: 'I can't wait to finally play Luke on the big stage. The darting world will be watching that game. 'Luke is one of my close friends behind the scenes. Hopefully we both turn up, but I'm sure it will be a cracking game.' Saturday's other best-of-33 leg semi-final sees James Wade face Jonny Clayton.
RTÉ News
a day ago
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Josh Rock and Luke Littler set up World Matchplay semi showdown
Josh Rock managed a 104.02 average in his 16-11 win over Gerwyn Price to set up a semi-final against reigning world champion Luke Littler at the World Matchplay in Blackpool. Antrim native Rock, who had beaten Michael van Gerwen on Wednesday, managed to get the better of 2021 world champion Price in the fourth quarter-final to be played at the Winter Gardens. "I'm on cloud nine at the minute," Rock said. "I can't wait to finally play Luke on the big stage. The darting world will be watching that game tomorrow. "Luke is one of my close friends behind the scenes. Hopefully we both turn up, but I'm sure it will be a cracking game. "I'm just so relieved to be in the semi-finals. Gezzy played really well tonight too, he never gave up, but wow – what a game." Earlier, Littler produced an impressive 11-dart leg to seal a 16-14 victory over Andrew Gilding in their quarter-final. The world champion never went behind and produced a 103.91 average. Littler had a five-leg advantage at one point in the contest, during which he produced 18 maximums. However, Gilding set up a tense finish - with a 160 finish the highlight of a three-leg streak by the former UK Open champion. While Littler and Rock will now meet for a place in the final, Saturday's other best-of-33 leg semi-final sees James Wade face Jonny Clayton.
