Key Highlights
- Luke Littler and Josh Rock are set to face off in the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts.
- The pair previously clashed in a semi-final at the World Matchplay, with Littler winning an extraordinary 17-14 match.
- Littler anticipates “fireworks” against Rock and believes he must be prepared for his opponent to return to his best form.
- Rock struggled in his last 16 win over Connor Scutt, but Littler expects him to be back at his peak performance level.
The Anticipation Builds: Quarter-Finals Match-up
In the upcoming quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts, two of the sport’s most formidable players, Luke Littler and Josh Rock, will once again face off. This high-stakes contest is set to air live from 7pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025, exclusively on Sky Sports.
Both players have a storied history together, with their last major encounter taking place in the semi-finals of the World Matchplay. Littler, known as “The Nuke,” delivered an electrifying performance, hitting a nine-darter to secure a hard-fought 17-14 victory over Rock.
Preparation and Expectations
Littler is confident that the upcoming match will be filled with intense action. He expressed his readiness for “fireworks,” acknowledging that while Rock did not play at his best in their previous encounter, he remains a formidable opponent who can elevate his performance significantly.
“Josh has been on Tour longer than me, but we’ve always had a relationship as mates. Now he’s joined Target and I’m with Target, so it makes it all very easy,” Littler said. “We’re all Target players and we’re all in the same competitions.
We are always going to talk to each other. But once we’re on stage, we’re enemies.” This statement underscores the competitive nature of their relationship both backstage and on the oche.
The Road Ahead: Title Defense and World No. 1 Quest
For Littler, securing a spot in the final of the Grand Slam would not only secure his title defense but also potentially elevate him to world number one status. This is a crucial milestone for the player who has been chasing this top ranking for some time.
“If someone plays their best darts, they might catch me but tonight felt very good,” Littler added. “I have my eyes on everything—the title, world No 1.” His remarks reflect his comprehensive goals and the pressure he faces in every match he plays.
Expert Analysis: A Battle of Titans
The upcoming clash between Luke Littler and Josh Rock is expected to be a thrilling spectacle. With both players having shown their prowess on the professional circuit, this match-up promises to deliver an unforgettable performance. The battle for supremacy in darts will not only decide who advances but also could shape the landscape of the sport for the coming months.
As the quarter-finals draw near, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what may unfold. Whether Littler can maintain his dominance or Rock finds his best form once again, one thing is certain: this will be a match to remember in the history of the Grand Slam of Darts.
