Luke Littler says he expects a volatile, high-quality encounter when he faces Josh Rock in the Grand Slam of Darts quarter-final in Wolverhampton.
The pair last met in a memorable World Matchplay semi-final, when Littler produced a nine-darter en route to an astonishing 17-14 victory, recovering with ten consecutive legs to turn the match around. That performance is fresh in the memory as they prepare for a rematch.
Rock was below his usual level in his last-16 win over Connor Scutt, averaging around 89, and Littler believes the Northern Irishman will raise his game. Littler expects a tough contest and says Rock will be motivated to improve on that display.
Off the stage the two get on well — both now use Target equipment — but Littler was clear that once the players step up to the oche the friendship gives way to competition. Backstage they’ll chat and laugh, he said, but onstage they are opponents focused on doing their jobs.
Littler is also chasing the world number one ranking. He knows that reaching the Grand Slam final would secure the top spot, and he says he is chasing everything: the title and the ranking. For now he is approaching the tournament one match at a time and hopes for another memorable showdown with Rock, similar to their Matchplay meeting.