Luke Littler produces stunning comeback to scrape into quarters via tie-break as Josh Rock beats Michael van Gerwen
Luke Littler delivered a stunning comeback to secure a 13-11 victory over Jermaine Wattimena in a thrilling tie-break, advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Matchplay in Blackpool. Facing a 7-2 deficit after a shaky start on July 23, 2025, the 18-year-old world champion found his rhythm, winning six consecutive legs to take an 8-7 lead. Despite Wattimena’s resilience forcing a tie-break, Littler held his nerve, missing two match darts before sealing the win with a decisive double, roaring in celebration and pointing to the star on his shirt symbolizing his title. He told Sky Sports, “I’m a world champion for a reason, I find these gears when I need it,” reflecting on the pressure reminiscent of his World Championship first round.
In a parallel upset, Josh Rock ousted three-time champion Michael van Gerwen with a 13-11 tie-break win, ending the Dutchman’s campaign. Van Gerwen dominated early, leading 5-1 with a 150 checkout, but Rock fought back from 9-6 down, capitalizing on van Gerwen’s doubling struggles with a 152 checkout to level at 10-10. The tie-break saw both miss crucial darts, but Rock clinched it on double 16, marking a significant scalp. These dramatic turnarounds highlight the tournament’s intensity as it progresses toward the quarter-finals on July 24, 2025.
