Back our best bets as Luke Littler and Gary Anderson play big semi final matches.
PDC World Matchplay Day 6See All Odds
The World Matchplay is widely regarded as one of the sport's most prestigious ranking events, with this year's edition featuring a record £1 million prize fund and £225,000 going to the eventual champion.
The iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool has once again produced dramatic finishes throughout the opening five days, as the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay reaches the quarter-final stage on Thursday evening featuring four players capable of lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy.
Defending champion Luke Littler headlines the action as he takes on Josh Rock, while two-time world champion Gary Anderson faces Dirk van Duijvenbode in the night's other quarter-final. With the tournament entering its decisive stages, every leg becomes increasingly significant as the players battle for a share of the £1 million prize fund.
World Matchplay Darts Thursday Schedule
Quarter-finals (8:05PM BST): Luke Littler vs Josh Rock
Quarter-finals (9:45PM BST): Gary Anderson vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
Both matches are played over the quarter-final format, with the first player to 16 legs progressing, although a two-leg advantage is required before a potential sudden-death leg comes into play.
World Matchplay Darts Best Bets
We've picked out four best betting angles for Thursday's two games.
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Gary Anderson
TIP 1: Gary Anderson to Win - 1pt
Best odds of 1/2 at Boyle Sports while publishing.
Gary Anderson looks the value play in this quarter-final. The Flying Scotsman boasts a 100% record across his last three meetings with Dirk van Duijvenbode, giving him a clear psychological edge heading into Thursday's clash.
Anderson has also looked back to somewhere near his vintage best at the Winter Gardens, producing some outstanding scoring throughout the tournament, including a dominant first-round display before battling past Jonny Clayton to reach the last eight. While Van Duijvenbode deserves huge credit for his run, Anderson's experience in longer-format matches and superior head-to-head record make him the stronger pick to progress.
TIP 2: Total Legs - Under 26.5 - 1pt
Best odds of 11/8 at bet365 at the time of writing.
Backing Under 26.5 Legs also appeals. Both Anderson and Van Duijvenbode have seen this line land in each of their previous two World Matchplay matches, suggesting neither has been dragged into lengthy, nip-and-tuck contests. If Anderson can maintain the level he has shown so far in Blackpool, his heavy scoring should allow him to establish an early advantage and keep the match below the 27-leg mark.
Luke Littler vs Josh Rock
TIP 3: Luke Littler Total 180s - Under 11.5
Best odds of 10/11 at Paddy Power while publishing.
Backing Luke Littler Under 11.5 180s looks the stronger play based on his tournament trends. He has stayed under this line in both of his previous World Matchplay matches, despite producing his usual high-scoring displays. While Littler is one of the biggest maximum hitters in the sport, he doesn't need an extraordinary number of 180s to dominate matches, often setting up finishes through consistent 140s and clinical doubling. Unless this quarter-final develops into a lengthy, back-and-forth contest, 11.5 maximums is a demanding line, making the under an appealing option.
TIP 4: Nine Darts Finish - Yes
Best odds of 17/2 at Paddy Power at the time of publishing.
A nine-dart finish is always one of the most difficult feats in darts, but if any quarter-final is capable of producing one, it is this clash between Luke Littler and Josh Rock. Littler arrives full of confidence after producing a sensational nine-dart finish in his 11-8 victory over Nathan Aspinall in the previous round, underlining the extraordinary level he is playing at this week.
Rock is also one of the heaviest scorers on the PDC Tour, meaning this contest should be played at a relentless pace with plenty of maximums. Over a longer quarter-final format, both players will have ample opportunities to string together perfect visits, making 'Yes' for a nine-dart finish an intriguing long-shot play.
