Luke Littler eases into World Matchplay semi-finals with 16-7 win over Josh Rock

World number one Luke Littler continued his World Matchplay title defence on 23 July 2026 with a 16-7 quarter-final victory over Josh Rock in Blackpool. He posted an average of 109.57 during the match.

The result sends Littler through to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay. Entering the contest as the reigning champion and top-ranked player, Littler maintained the form that has underpinned his status. The quarter-final clash took place in Blackpool, where Littler’s scoring power was reflected in his three-figure average. The victory preserves his run in the tournament.

Littler managed the contest across the required legs to secure a 16-7 success, combining heavy scoring with timely finishing. His match average of 109.57 stands as the numerical summary of his performance in the quarter-final. That figure encapsulates the consistency he demonstrated on the night.

Josh Rock was unable to overcome Littler’s sustained scoring and fell 16-7 in the quarter-final encounter. The loss ends Rock’s progression at this stage of the World Matchplay in Blackpool. Littler’s win therefore removed Rock from title contention in this event.

With the quarter-final completed, Littler advances into the semi-final stage of the World Matchplay. The result preserves his defence of the title and secures another step toward the tournament’s latter stages. The match in Blackpool concluded with Littler’s 16-7 victory and a match average of 109.57.

Littler’s win sets up his participation in the semi-finals of the World Matchplay following the quarter-final triumph. The 16-7 scoreline and the 109.57 average are the definitive statistics from his performance in Blackpool on 23 July 2026.