Luke Littler stuns Josh Rock with nine-darter in greatest World Matchplay leg of all time

Luke Littler threw a stunning nine-darter in an epic leg during his World Matchplay clash with Josh Rock. Remarkably, both players were on the verge of perfect legs before Littler prompted bedlam in Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

Rock took control of the match and led 6-1 before both players contributed to a sensational eighth leg. They each threw eight 180s, prompting Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle to excitedly declare: "They're both on nines!"

Having thrown first in the leg, Littler was able to attempt the nine-darter first and subsequently threw treble 20. His next throw landed perfectly in treble 17, before he finished an incredible leg with double 15. As the dart crashed into the board, the 18-year-old turned to Rock and nonchantly shrugged his shoulders while the crowd erupted in celebration.

"That is the second-best leg you will ever see in your life!" said Mardle, referring to a memorable leg involving Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in the World Championship final in 2023. That therefore made Littler's encounter with Rock the greatest-ever World Matchplay leg, in the eyes of Mardle.

Both players paused to take in the atmosphere. Littler pumped his firsts and acknowledged the crowd with a raised hand. He then clapped as the adulation continued.

In a touching moment, Rock also celebrated along with Littler. He clapped before waving his arm around. The Northern Irishman then smiled as he sipped from a water bottle.

Littler went on to win 17-14 and will face ames Wade in the final. Earlier in the evening, another classic ended with the 42-year-old defeating Jonny Clayton 20-18.

An exhausted Wade reflected afterwards: "I'm just done. There are two amazing wonderful dart players in the world and that is Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton - forget about what you see with all the others, those two are probably the nicest men in darts. I am flabbergasted.

"Unfortunately with darts today you are surrounded by great darts players with massive talent. I think Jonny let me off right at the last minute but to be fair I let him off before that. I am exhausted after that. I thought that was a good game but when I looked at the averages, I didn't realise it was that good. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves because I hated every single minute of it!"