The Winter Gardens in Blackpool buzzed with electric anticipation on July 26, 2025, as the Betfred World Matchplay semifinals delivered two of the most thrilling darts matches in recent memory. Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy and reigning PDC World Champion, ignited the crowd with a stunning nine-dart finish en route to a 17-14 comeback victory over Josh Rock. In the other semifinal, 2007 champion James Wade outlasted Jonny Clayton in a grueling 20-18 epic, setting up a blockbuster final against Littler on July 27. The showdown promises to be a clash of generations, pitting Littler’s youthful brilliance against Wade’s seasoned resilience, with the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy at stake.
Littler’s path to the final was nothing short of cinematic. Facing Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, who had stunned heavyweights Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen earlier in the tournament, Littler found himself in a 5-0 hole after a blistering start from his opponent. Rock’s early 102.56 average and six 180s seemed to overwhelm the young star, but Littler’s resolve never wavered. In the eighth leg, with Rock poised for a nine-darter of his own after back-to-back 180s, Littler stole the show with a flawless 141 finish—treble 20, treble 19, double 12—to complete only the tenth nine-darter in World Matchplay history. “It definitely sparked me into life. I didn’t want to give it big because I was playing awful,” Littler admitted, reflecting on the moment that shifted the match’s momentum. The crowd erupted, and Littler, fueled by the energy, roared back, winning eight of the next ten legs to seize control. Despite Rock’s valiant response with a 170 “Big Fish” checkout and a 120 finish, Littler’s 107.5 average and 15 180s—part of a record-breaking 29 maximums in the match—sealed a 17-14 triumph. “I wasn’t happy at 5-0 down, it was a slow start but I picked myself up,” he told reporters, adding, “As soon as I got into the lead, I just had to break and hold and get that two-leg advantage.”
Meanwhile, James Wade’s semifinal against Jonny Clayton was a marathon of nerve and precision, lasting 38 legs and becoming the longest semi-final in World Matchplay history. Wade, nicknamed “The Machine,” surged to a 7-2 lead with a spectacular 161 finish and a 108 average, capitalizing on Clayton’s missed doubles. But Clayton, a former Premier League champion, fought back with a 161 checkout of his own and back-to-back 11-dart legs, narrowing the gap to three. The match seesawed, with Wade missing a match dart at 17-16, only for Clayton to unleash a stunning six-leg run, including a 102 finish, to level the score. In the end, Clayton’s missed doubles at 19-19 proved costly, and Wade sealed a 20-18 victory with a double-nine finish. “I’m flabbergasted,” Wade confessed, visibly drained. “Jonny let me off at the last minute, but I let him off before that. I’m exhausted after that. I hoped the crowd enjoyed it and everyone at home themselves, because I hated every minute of it.” His candid admission underscored the emotional toll of the grueling contest, yet his 10/16 doubles accuracy highlighted his enduring class.
The final marks a rematch of the 2025 UK Open final, where Littler dominated Wade 11-2, a result that still stings for the 44-year-old veteran. “He is playing really well, but having that winning feeling over him in a major, the UK Open, will give me confidence,” Littler said, acknowledging Wade’s threat. Wade, a slower-paced player compared to Rock, brings a unique challenge with his methodical style and experience in seven World Matchplay finals. A victory would make him only the fourth player to win multiple Matchplay titles, cementing his legacy. “Everyone knows about the triple crown. You can’t put anything past James Wade,” Littler noted, referencing the coveted trio of World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay titles, which he is one win away from completing at just 18.
For Littler, the final represents a chance to add to his burgeoning legacy. Already the youngest PDC World Champion and a winner of five major titles, including the 2024 Premier League and Grand Slam, his 107.5 average against Rock and four televised nine-darters showcase his extraordinary talent. Wade, however, is motivated to rewrite the narrative of his UK Open defeat and reclaim glory at a venue where he triumphed in 2007. Their contrasting styles—Littler’s explosive scoring versus Wade’s gritty consistency—promise a tactical battle, with Littler’s confidence bolstered by his prior victory over Wade. “I’ve won many majors, but this is the big one now,” Littler declared, eyeing a historic Triple Crown.
As Blackpool’s Winter Gardens prepares for the July 27 final, the darts world is abuzz with anticipation. The women’s World Matchplay, featuring stars like Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock, will precede the men’s final, adding to the day’s spectacle. With Littler’s flair and Wade’s tenacity, the stage is set for a final that could redefine their careers and etch another unforgettable chapter in darts history.
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