Luke Littler and Josh Rock set up blockbuster World Matchplay semi-final

Luke Littler and Josh Rock will face off in a box office World Matchplay semi-final after coming through thrilling ties against Andrew Gilding and Gerwyn Price on Friday.

Northern Ireland’s World Cup winner Rock ran out a 16-11 winner against 2022 runner-up Price to continue his landmark run in Blackpool.

Rock had dumped out three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in the Last 16, and he claimed another major scalp against the 2021 World Champion, averaging 104 to reach his second major ranking semi-final of the season.

Price established a 4-3 lead following a rip-roaring start, but Rock responded with a blistering three-leg burst – featuring a 110 checkout and a brilliant ten-dart leg – to seize the initiative.

The Welshman then landed the first 170 checkout of the tournament on his way to regaining the lead at 7-6, although the pendulum shifted once more when Rock surged into an 11-8 advantage.

Price continued to plug away – reducing the deficit to 13-11 at one stage – yet Rock was unflappable, following up back-to-back 15-darters with a magical 164 finish to cap off a special performance.

“I’m on cloud nine at the minute,” said Rock, who is relishing his first televised clash against Littler.

“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!”

Littler defied a spirited fightback from Gilding to complete a thrilling 16-14 victory in the evening’s opener.

The 18-year-old created a slice of World Matchplay history by crashing in a staggering 18 maximums – the most by an individual player in a World Matchplay quarter-final – to shatter the previous record of 14.

Gilding converted 56 per cent of his attempts at doubles in a valiant display, but he was unable to reel in the teenage sensation, who advanced with a 103.9 average.

Following a run of seven straight holds of throw to kick off the contest, Littler struck the first decisive blow with an 11-darter to secure breathing space, and he maintained his superiority on throw to keep Gilding at bay.

The 18-year-old then strengthened his grip on proceedings by moving 12-8 ahead, only for Gilding to take out 124, 72 on the bull and a spectacular 160 to reduce the deficit to 14-12.

The former UK Open champion then followed up a 12-dart hold with a skin-saving 127 checkout to set up a potential tie-break situation, before Littler hit back with a sublime 11-darter to wrap up victory.

“I just had to stay focused, and I’m so glad to get over the line,” said Littler.

“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.”

World Matchplay 2025 Day Seven Results

Friday July 25

Quarter-Finals

Luke Littler 16-14 Andrew Gilding
Josh Rock 16-11 Gerwyn Price