This time last year, Josh Rock was coming into a meeting with heavy favourite Luke Littler in the Semi-Finals of the World Matchplay, having just beaten Michael van Gerwen in a stunning extra-time match.
It was a first meeting between the pair, Rocky was in the form of his life having just won the World Cup, looking for a maiden major Final in his career.
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The Norther Irishman ultimately fell short against The Nuke but put up an incredible fight, averaging 104.15 in a match that involved, arguably, the most perfect leg of all time, eventually falling short 17-14. It was a result that showed the potential of Josh Rock, and where he was capable of reaching within the sport.
Nothing has come easily for him in 2026, finishing bottom of his maiden campaign in the Premier League, and ultimately struggling to drag his form to the same heights he was at last year.
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Despite good runs to the Quarter-Finals at the Masters, and the Semi-Finals at the UK Open, with his 2026 yearly average dropping by a point from last year.
He comes into his rematch with Luke Littler tonight having faced him nine times over the last twelve months, with the 19-year old winning on every occasion, including in the later stages of the 2026 UK Open, World Masters and the 2025 Grand Slam, as well as throughout this year’s Premier League season.
Valued at 7/1 by the bookies, Josh Rock knows he needs to put at least ten points on his tournament average of 91 to get anywhere near Luke Littler, who is running at an insane 111.8 for the tournament, having won a staggering 33 consecutive matches in ranking majors!
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There is a potential of a replay of the 2024 Grand Slam Semi-Final between the Nuke and the Flying Scotsman in the Semi-Finals, but he needs to get past his good friend Josh Rock first.
Images: PDC
