Littler bounces back to reach Grand Slam semis

Defending champion Luke Littler came from behind to beat Josh Rock and reach the semi-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Littler, who will usurp Luke Humphries at the top of the world rankings for the first time if he reaches the final, averaged 105.18 in a 16-12 victory.

World champion Littler had trailed his Northern Irish opponent 9-6 but the 18-year-old won seven legs in succession to turn the match around.

Littler will play Danny Noppert in the last four on Sunday after the Dutchman defeated German Lukas Wenig 16-8 in his quarter-final.

Littler has yet to lose at the tournament but it was Rock who edged into a 3-2 lead on Saturday night after an 84 checkout.

He led 7-6 when Littler missed a double in the 14th leg, going on to win against the throw on his way to opening a three-leg lead.

But after Littler found another level to move ahead 13-9, he did not falter despite three missed attempts at double 10 to seal the victory.