Littler at large as he sweeps aside Rock to reach semi-finals

​Littler produced his third consecutive average north of 109 to breeze into the last four, hammering in 17 maximums and defying a 101.24 average from Rock to emphatically maintain his title defence.

Although the Northern Irish No.1 kept the contest at 5-5 in the opening stages, the World Champion burst away, rattling off seven legs straight to give himself daylight with a 12-5 lead.

After a fourth ton-plus finish to lead 13-6, the world No.1 saw out the match 16-7 to lock in his semi-final spot, where he will face Dirk van Duijvenbode.

“That’s another brilliant game for myself,” said Littler, who finished the match with a 109.57 average and 53% doubles success rate.

“I’ve gone 109, 113, 109 (for averages) again, so I’ve just got to keep it going, but fair play to Josh, he gave me a really good game there.

“At the minute, I feel very good. Everything is going to plan. I can afford to miss a few doubles because the scoring is there. As long as I’m playing well, I think I’ll give it a really good go. Next game we will try and get better than a 109 average.”

Van Duijvenbode survived a spirited Gary Anderson fightback to progress to a maiden semi-final at the Winter Gardens, triumphing 16-13.

The Dutchman led from the early stages, rushing into a 4-1 lead courtesy of a 107 checkout, which progressed into an 8-4 advantage.

After a brief rally from the 2018 champion, Van Duijvenbode took six legs straight to lead 14-6, before taking out 86 on double seven to go one away from a historic win.

Anderson then threatened an astounding comeback, winning six consecutive legs to reduce the arrears to 15-13 which included a mesmerising 154 checkout, before Van Duijvenbode closed out the contest with a stellar 13-darter to down the Scot.

“This feeling is very nice! I’m very happy,” said Van Duijvenbode.