Littler Holds Off Gilding to Set Up Semi-Final Showdown with Rock at World Matchplay

World champion Luke Littler booked his place in the semi-finals of the World Matchplay after edging out Andrew Gilding in a tense encounter at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Thursday night.

The 18-year-old looked to be cruising towards victory with leads of 12-8 and 14-9, but was made to work for it as Gilding mounted a spirited comeback, reeling off three straight legs to narrow the gap to 15-14. Littler, however, kept his composure and sealed a narrow 16-14 win to reach his first semi-final at the prestigious triple crown tournament.

Littler produced an impressive average of 103.91 and fired in 18 maximums to overcome Gilding, who also performed strongly with a 98.45 average.

“The crowd definitely got value for money,” Littler told Sky Sports. “I think they were hoping for 15-all, but in that last leg, I just had to stay focused and composed. Andrew kept his rhythm, which made it really tough. I just needed to find mine and get over the line.”

The teenager will now face Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, who delivered a standout performance to defeat 2023 runner-up Gerwyn Price 16-11.

Rock, 24, averaged 104.02 to Price’s 100.21 in a high-quality contest. He gained control after pulling away from 8-all to lead 11-8 and maintained his momentum, producing a brilliant 164 checkout in the final leg to complete the win. The victory comes on the back of his impressive triumph over three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in the previous round.

“I’m on cloud nine – what a match,” Rock said post-match. “I just told myself to keep playing my game. Gerwyn’s in great form, so I knew what to expect. I’m just delighted to come through.”

Looking ahead to the semi-final, Rock added: “Luke’s one of my best mates off the stage. Hopefully we both bring our best – it should be a brilliant game.”

Saturday’s semi-final lineup will also see England’s James Wade take on Welshman Jonny Clayton in the first match of the evening, before Littler and Rock battle it out for a place in the final.