Day 6 of the Betfred World Matchplay delivered gripping darts action as two titans secured their semi-final spots. Teen sensation Luke Littler continued his sensational form, crushing Josh Rock with another dominant performance, maintaining his incredible scoring streak. Meanwhile, Dirk van Duijvenbode survived a nail-biting encounter against the legendary Gary Anderson, fending off a remarkable comeback to reach his first-ever World Matchplay semi-final. These victories set the stage for a highly anticipated clash between Littler and Van Duijvenbode in the next round.
Littler’s Relentless Pursuit of Glory Continues
The darts world watched in awe as Luke Littler once again demonstrated why he’s the reigning World Champion, dispatching Josh Rock with a commanding 16-7 victory. This wasn’t just any win; it was Littler’s third consecutive match averaging above 109, a testament to his unbelievable consistency and scoring power. He fired in 17 maximums (180s), showcasing his aggressive style and ability to dominate the board.
Despite Rock’s respectable 101.24 average, Littler proved too strong. The Northern Irishman managed to keep pace early on, tying the game at 5-5, but that’s when Littler truly ignited. He rattled off seven consecutive legs, creating a significant 12-5 lead that Rock simply couldn’t recover from. Littler closed out the match with a 109.57 average and an impressive 53% success rate on his doubles, cementing his place in the semi-finals.
Littler’s Confidence Soars
Reflecting on his performance, Littler expressed his satisfaction: “That’s another brilliant game for myself. I’ve gone 109, 113, 109 again, so I’ve just got to keep it going.” His confidence is palpable, stemming from his exceptional scoring ability. “At the minute, I feel very good. Everything is going to plan. I can afford to miss a few doubles because the scoring is there.” Looking ahead to his semi-final against Van Duijvenbode, Littler’s strategy is clear: “I’ve just got to get into that lead, put him under pressure and make him start chasing.”
Van Duijvenbode’s Epic Escape Against Anderson
In a match filled with tension and drama, Dirk van Duijvenbode secured his first-ever World Matchplay semi-final appearance, triumphing 16-13 over the tenacious Gary Anderson. The Dutchman started strongly, quickly establishing a 4-1 lead, including a superb 107 checkout, and extended his advantage to 8-4.
Van Duijvenbode then pushed further ahead, winning six straight legs to take a commanding 14-6 lead, seemingly cruising towards victory. However, “The Flying Scotsman” Gary Anderson, a two-time World Champion known for his incredible resilience, refused to surrender. What followed was a breathtaking display of fightback as Anderson mounted an astounding comeback, winning six consecutive legs to narrow the gap to a mere 15-13. This incredible run included a mesmerising 154 checkout, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats.
With the pressure immense and nerves clearly showing, Van Duijvenbode managed to compose himself. He finally closed out the contest with a stellar 13-darter, denying Anderson one of the greatest comebacks in Matchplay history and booking his semi-final berth.
Emotional Victory for Van Duijvenbode
A relieved and emotional Van Duijvenbode shared his feelings: “This feeling is very nice! I’m very happy.” He acknowledged Anderson’s legendary fighting spirit: “Gary never gives up. I’ve never seen him giving up, and when he’s hitting his trebles, he is one of the very best in the world.” He also shared a touching personal anecdote about his son, explaining how he felt a “pain in his stomach” similar to his son’s when he leaves for tournaments, motivating him not to let anyone down.
What’s Next: The Road to the Final
The Betfred World Matchplay quarter-finals conclude on Friday evening with two more crucial matches that will complete the semi-final line-up. The stakes are incredibly high as players battle for a chance at the coveted title.
Upcoming Quarter-Finals (Friday, July 24):
- Ross Smith vs. Gerwyn Price: A clash between a former major winner and a former World Champion.
- Gian van Veen vs. James Wade: A rematch of last year’s quarter-final, promising another thrilling encounter.
All quarter-final matches are played as Best of 31 Legs, demanding endurance and consistent performance from the players. The winners will join Luke Littler and Dirk van Duijvenbode in the semi-finals, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of darts in Blackpool.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
