Night Six of the 2026 World Matchplay saw Luke Littler and Dirk van Duijvenbode secure their places in the semi-finals with impressive victories at the Winter Gardens. Littler powered past Josh Rock 16-6, winning 13 of the final 14 legs, while Van Duijvenbode held off a late Gary Anderson fightback to complete a 16-13 victory and continue his outstanding run in Blackpool.

Dream run for Dirk

Dirk van Duijvenbode continued his dream run at the 2026 World Matchplay by defeating Gary Anderson 16-13 in a captivating quarter-final at the Winter Gardens, booking his place in the last four after another resilient, determined display. The Dutchman made the brighter start, winning four out of the first five legs, before extending the lead to 7-3 at the second interval.

After twenty legs, it was Dirk who continued to boss the encounter, pinning multiple crucial combination shots at pivotal moments, to take a resounding 14-6 lead and go within two legs of the biggest payday in his career.

Van Duijvenbode was just one leg away from glory at 15-8, but there was a late fightback from Gary Anderson which threated to shake the Winter Gardens to the core. From 15-8 down, the 2018 World Matchplay champion won five consecutive legs to narrow the gap to just three legs, much to the joy of the adoring Matchplay crowd, the highlight being a mesmerising 154 checkout with Van Duijvenbode sat on a finish to wrap it up.

Despite the incredible turnaround in Gary Anderson’s game near the end, it was Dirk van Duijvenbode who stumbled over the line to reach the Semi-Finals of the World Matchplay for the first time in his career.

Dominant darts from Luke Littler

Luke Littler moved into the semi-finals of the 2026 World Matchplay with a commanding 16-7 victory over Josh Rock, pulling away after a competitive start at the Winter Gardens. Rock stayed with the defending champion during the opening stages and briefly looked capable of making it a close contest, with the match all square after ten legs. The world number one then found another level and showed why he is the reigning World Matchplay champion, winning 13 of the final 14 legs to turn an even contest into a one-sided affair.

The power scoring was relentless from Littler, finishing his Quarter-Final with 17 180s in just 23 legs, and a resounding 109.57 average. The World Champion is looking in good shape to defend the Phil Taylor Trophy on Sunday night.

Tonights results mean that the first Semi-Final will be contested between the two winners on Night 6, with Dirk van Duijvenbode facing Luke Littler for a spot in the final.

2026 Betfred World Matchplay

Thursday July 23 (2000 BST)

Quarter-Final Results x2

Dirk van Duijvenbode 16-13 Gary Anderson

Luke Littler 16-7 Josh Rock

Best of 31 Legs

Friday July 24 (2000 BST)

Quarter-Final Fixtures x2

Ross Smith vs Gerwyn Price

Gian van Veen vs James Wade

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