World Matchplay 2025: Luke Littler sees off Andrew Gilding to e book semi-final spot at Winter Gardens in Blackpool

Luke Littler is thru to the semi-finals of the Betfred World Matchplay after holding off Andrew Gilding to assert a slim 16-14 victory on the Winter Gardens.

The World Champion by no means trailed however needed to fireplace a 103.91 common and 18 maximums to tug away from Gilding, who exits the match on the quarter-final stage for the second successive yr.

Littler edged the opening three classes and briefly opened a five-leg benefit, just for Gilding to discover a 72 checkout on the bullseye and take out a 160 end as a part of a run of three straight legs.

The world No 2 set a brand new report for many 180s in a World Matchplay quarter-final on his technique to holding throw within the subsequent, then responded to Gilding firing 81 and 127 checkouts by finishing a dramatic victory with an 11-dart maintain.

Littler subsequent faces both Josh Rock or Gerwyn Worth, who play in a while Friday evening, whereas Jonny Clayton and James Wade full Saturday semi-final line-up.

How Littler edged Gilding to e book semi-final spot

Littler was pushed arduous from Gilding within the early exchanges, with the primary seven legs going with throw, earlier than ‘The Nuke’ took out a 90 checkout for an 11-dart break and received the subsequent to open a three-leg cushion.

Gilding snatched the tenth – regardless of Littler opening with six good darts towards the throw – and capitalised on wayward ending from the world champion to interrupt within the subsequent, just for Littler to reply by successful the subsequent two legs.

The pair traded 14-dart legs earlier than Littler produced a surprising 140 end, then recovered from Gilding claiming a scrappy subsequent leg on D1 by successful the subsequent two and opening a 12-8 buffer.

Gilding opened the subsequent mini session with a 124 checkout however discovered himself on the verge of defeat when Littler made an 11-dart break and 14-dart maintain, however Goldfinger prolonged the competition with an excellent 160 and back-to-back legs.

The hole was reduce to only one leg when Gilding took out 81 on the bullseye after which delivered a 127 end, earlier than Littler signed off victory in fashion by nailing successive 180s on his technique to an 11-darter.

Littler celebrates ‘centered’ win

Luke Littler, talking to Sky Sports activities:

“That final leg I simply needed to keep centered and recover from the road.

“He received just a few on the bounce after I was sat on 15 legs however I simply needed to do an expert job in the long run.

“I did not actually panic. Andrew began to win just a few legs, however that final leg towards the darts as effectively, I simply needed to recover from the road. Andrews does what he does. He by no means goes out of rhythm. It is the identical throw by throw and try to match him.”

Former world champion John Half, reflecting on Litter’s win:

“It was an unbelievable battle and it was principally right down to Andrew Gilding’s gorgeous ending. Two or three out of nowhere. The 160 was my favorite. It is simply ludicrous.

“They each performed very effectively and really related within the high quality. Actually nice for Luke. He was examined totally and he is nonetheless studying. He is developed a form of tenacity. He needed to focus to get the job accomplished.”

Extra to observe…

Who will win the World Matchplay? Watch all through the weekend dwell on Sky Sports activities. Dwell protection of the semi-finals dwell on Saturday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports activities Primary Occasion and Sky Sports activities+. Not bought Sky? Stream and not using a contract.