Luke Littler and Josh Rock prevail in nail-biting tie breaks to reach World Matchplay quarter-finals
Luke Littler and Josh Rock came through epic tie break encounters to book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay in Blackpool on Wednesday.
Littler maintained his title push with a magnificent comeback win over Jermaine Wattimena, while Rock also produced an inspired fightback to dump out Michael van Gerwen.
Littler looked set to suffer a shock exit after Wattimena raced into a 7-2 lead, but the World Champion underlined his battling qualities to win through a Winter Gardens classic.
The 18-year-old responded with a brilliant six-leg burst to seize the initiative at 8-7, but Wattimena kept his hopes alive, surviving two match darts to force a tie-break.
However, Littler’s blistering barrage of scoring eventually took its toll, as the world number two followed up an 11-dart hold by hitting his trusted double ten to complete a 13-11 victory.
“I’m a World Champion for a reason. I find these gears when I need it,” insisted Littler.
“I’ve not felt pressure like that since the first round of the World Championship against Ryan Meikle.
“Jermaine kept putting me under pressure. He was always right behind me, but when I got into the lead I was determined not to let it slip away.”
Rock also prevailed in a marathon battle on Day Five, edging out three-time champion Van Gerwen 13-11.
Van Gerwen was imperious in the opening exchanges, racing into a 5-1 lead before defying a mid-game rally from Rock to restore his three-leg cushion at 9-6.
However, the Dutchman paid the price for missed opportunities to lead 10-6, and Rock suddenly found his brilliant best – inspired by a 152 checkout – to win four straight legs and hit the front.
Van Gerwen responded with a skin-saving 138 checkout to restore parity at ten apiece, but it was the Northern Irishman who held his nerve in the closing stages, sparking jubilant scenes of celebration.
“That’s one of the best games I’ve ever been involved in, without a doubt,” admitted Rock.
“I think you could see by my celebrations at the end what that meant to me. My heart was pumping throughout the whole game.
“Michael always seems to turn up against me, but I’m so happy to get the win.”
Rock will now face 2022 runner-up Gerwyn Price in a blockbuster quarter-final after the Welshman powered past sixth seed Chris Dobey in just over 24 minutes of play.
Price was relentless from start to finish, averaging 108.7 and converting 73 per cent of his attempts at doubles to cap off his best Blackpool performance to date.
The 40-year-old was threatening a record average for much of the contest, producing a four-leg blitz of 11, 12, 12 and 14-darters on his way to an 11-3 demolition.
“I don’t think Chris played badly at all,” admitted Price. “I felt like I was on top of my game in the middle part of that match.
“I was in the zone and I managed to keep my focus.
“I’m confident in my own game. Playing like that will give me even more self-belief, and I feel like I’m getting back to my best.”
Earlier in the evening, Andrew Gilding booked his place in a second successive Betfred World Matchplay quarter-final courtesy of a terrific 11-5 victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode.
The former UK Open champion kicked off proceedings with a trio of 13-darters, and that set the tone for a dominant display, which saw him average over 100 and convert 52 per cent of his attempts at doubles.
“I came up here today feeling absolutely awful, but somehow it happened for me tonight,” said Gilding.
“I’ve had some great support here this year, and it was amazing to see all the Goldfinger scarves in the crowd. I can’t believe it!”
World Matchplay 2025 Day Five Results
Wednesday July 23
Second Round
Andrew Gilding 11-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Chris Dobey 3-11 Gerwyn Price
Luke Littler 13-11 Jermaine Wattimena
Michael van Gerwen 11-13 Josh Rock
