Littler finds rhythm to set up Rock semi-final at Matchplay

Luke Littler sits at number two in the world rankings

World champion Luke Littler survived a fightback from Andrew Gilding to set up a World Matchplay semi-final against Josh Rock.

Littler was on course for a regulation win after opening up a sizeable lead in the quarter-final at Blackpools Winter Gardens, first at 12-8 and again at 14-9.

But Gilding responded by winning three consecutive legs and pegged him back to 15-14, but the 18-year-old held his nerve for a 16-14 success.

He will face Rock for a place in the final after the Northern Irishman beat 2023 runner-up Gerwyn Price 16-11.

Littler averaged 103.91 to Gildings 98.45 and threw 18 maximums en route to his first semi-final at the triple crown event.

"[The crowd] got their moneys worth. I think they wanted 15-all but that last leg, I just had to stay focused," he told Sky Sports.

"I didnt really panic. Leg by leg, Andrew started to win a few on the trot, but on the last leg, against the darts, I just had to get over the line.

"He played his part, its very tough. Andrew never goes out of rhythm, hes the same throw by throw. I just had to find a rhythm to match him."

Littler teased there would be "fireworks" in the fourth quarter-final and Rock delivered.

Both the 24-year-old (104.02) and Price (100.21) averaged above 100, but it was Rock who seized the moment, winning three consecutive legs to open up an 11-8 lead and then extending his advantage to 13-9.

Price rallied to make it 13-11, but Rock - who beat three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in round two - closed out the match in style, winning the last three legs and producing a checkout of 164 in the final one.

"Im on cloud nine at the minute. What a game," Rock told on Sky Sports.

"I was just like, Josh, youre doing nothing wrong, youre playing your own game, happy days. The form Gerwyns in, you know what to expect.

"Littlers one of my closest friends behind the scenes. I hope we both turn up. Hopefully it will be a cracking game."

The semi-finals will take place on Saturday evening with Englands James Wade facing Jonny Clayton of Wales, before Littlers meeting with Rock.