Luke Littler, the reigning world champion, rallied against Josh Rock to advance to the World Matchplay semi-final after Andrew Gilding held him to account.
Littler, who had an impressive lead in the quarter-finals at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, came in first at 12-8 and then again at 14-9, on course for a regulation victory.
However, Gilding reacted by winning three straight legs and getting him 15-14, but the 18-year-old persevered to achieve a 16-14 victory.
After defeating 2023’s Gerwyn Price 16-11, he will face Rock for a spot in the final.
The crowd “got their money’s worth,” the statement read. I believe they intended to do it, but for that crucial test, I had to concentrate,” he told Sky Sports.
“I didn’t really panic,” I said. Andrew started out winning a few runs on the trot, but on the final leg, against the darts, I simply had to cross the line.
He played his part, and it’s very difficult. Andrew maintains his form by repeating himself throw by throw. He never loses any rhythm. Just to match him, I needed to find a rhythm.
In the fourth quarter-final, Littler teased that there would be “fireworks,” and Rock delivered.
Both Price and the 24-year-old (100.02) had averages above 100, but Rock took control and won three straight legs to take an 11-8 lead before extending his lead to 13-9.
Rock, who defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in round two, won the final three legs and led the match to a score of 164 in the final one before Price rallied to make it 13-11.
“I’m currently on cloud nine.” What a game, Rock claimed on Sky Sports.
Josh, you’re doing nothing wrong, you’re playing your own game, happy days, I said to myself. You are aware of what Gerwyn’s form will be.
Behind the scenes, Littler is one of my closest friends. I hope both of us arrive. Hopefully, it will be a fun game.
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- Darts
Source: BBC
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