Luke Littler advanced to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay with a commanding 16-7 victory over Josh Rock, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Dirk van Duijvenbode, who triumphed in a nail-biting 16-13 match against Gary Anderson.

Littler showcased his prowess throughout the tournament, maintaining an impressive 109.57 average alongside 17 180s and a 53% success rate on doubles. He expressed confidence post-match, saying, "I’ve gone 109, 113, 109 again [averages], so I’ve just got to keep it going."

The match began competitively, with both players trading legs to reach a 5-5 tie. However, Littler shifted gears, winning five consecutive legs without allowing Rock a dart at double, eventually pulling ahead 13-6 before sealing the match with a clean finish on D10.

In the other quarter-final, Van Duijvenbode faced a fierce comeback from Anderson. After leading 15-8, Anderson surged back, taking five legs in a row and even executing a stunning 154 checkout. Despite the pressure, Van Duijvenbode regained his composure, hitting D10 to secure the win.

As the tournament progresses, the semi-finals promise more excitement, with Gian van Veen facing James Wade and Gerwyn Price going up against Ross Smith. The action continues on Friday at 7.30pm live on Sky Sports.