Luke Littler Triumphs Over Josh Rock to Reach Grand Slam of Darts Semi-Finals Against Danny Noppert
Luke Littler has achieved a noteworthy milestone by securing a place in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts. He triumphed over Josh Rock with a 16-12 victory in a compelling match in Wolverhampton. This victory allows Littler to continue his title defense as he aims to replicate the success of darting legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
Title Defense and Aspirations
For Littler, this tournament represents the first opportunity to defend a major title. Should he reach the finals on Sunday evening, he will also earn the coveted world No. 1 ranking from Luke Humphries. This accomplishment adds further pressure, but he appears ready to rise to the occasion.
Match Overview
The match began with an electrifying pace, as both players recorded impressive averages of 110 in the opening session. Josh Rock led 3-2 at the break, having secured the last two legs, including a spectacular bullseye finish.
Breakdown of the Match
- First session: Rock leads 3-2
- Second session: Both players level at 5-5
- 14th leg: Rock breaks Littler’s throw to lead 9-6
- Decisive moment: Littler responds with five consecutive legs
This stunning comeback showcased Littler’s skill over longer formats, as he quickly turned a three-leg deficit into a two-leg advantage. His dominance continued, culminating in a run of seven legs in a row.
Final Stages of the Match
As the match progressed, both players demonstrated their resilience, trading breaks amidst mounting pressure. Littler clinched a crucial double break, marking him just one leg away from victory. Ultimately, he secured the win with his preferred D10 finish, leaving Rock unable to respond effectively.
Upcoming Semi-Finals
With this victory, Luke Littler is set to face Danny Noppert in the semi-finals. The match is one of the highlights of the Grand Slam of Darts, which will be broadcast on Sky Sports throughout Sunday.
Fans can expect an exciting showdown as Littler seeks to advance further in his title defense and chase the world No. 1 ranking.
