Luke Littler takes less than 13 minutes to dismantle rival in brutal World Masters win

Luke Littler claims his win over Josh Rock ‘wasn’t easy’ despite dismantling his rival 4-0 in less than 13 minutes.

The world no.1 eased into the semi-finals of the World Masters on Sunday afternoon with a seemingly dominant display.

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Littler reeled off eight 180s and dropped just one leg on his way to victory.

Meanwhile, his three-dart average of 105.92 was his second ton plus average in a row at the tournament.

The Nuke had previously averaged 107.88 against Ross Smith during their second round clash on Saturday.

Littler has now surpassed his run to the last eight on debut 12 months ago as he eyes a maiden title in Milton Keynes.

The World Masters is one of only two PDC premier events the teenager has yet to win along with the European Championship.

Speaking after the match, Littler explained: “This is where I fell last year in the quarter-final, so it is always good to get that extra win and guarantee my place in the semi-final.”

However, he added that his win over Rock had not been as straightforward as the scoreline suggested.

The 19-year-old admitted: “No, it definitely wasn’t easy. Josh did not play to his best, but there is no reason for me not to play at my best. I threw everything at him.”

As for his perceived dominance amid a run of just one loss in his last 29 matches, Littler said: “That is obviously the way people see it.

“On stage it is different every day. Every match is different.”

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Who does Littler play next?

Littler faces Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals during Sunday’s evening session at the Arena MK.

The Iceman remains the only player to have beaten Littler since the start of the Grand Slam of Darts in November.

Price secured a victory over his rival at the Bahrain Darts Masters last month.

The winner of Sunday’s clash will face either defending champion Luke Humphries or Gian van Veen in the final.

Littler is already scheduled to take on Van Veen on the opening night of the Premier League on Thursday.

Their meeting represents a replay of the PDC World Darts Championship final, which saw Littler secure a second consecutive title.

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The Premier League returns with the first of 17 weekly events this week at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.

Littler lifted the trophy on debut in 2024 but was beaten in last year’s final by Humphries.