By Charlie Oxtoby (sports aficionado the-sports-buff.com
Blackpool prepares for the final two days of the 2025 World Matchplay tournament with the semi-finals taking place tonight.
While Luke Littler was expected to proceed into the last four, there are some contenders that many fans weren’t anticipating to make it this far.
2007 World Matchplay winner, James Wade, reached the semi-finals after defeating Gian Van Veen 16-13 on Thursday.
On the same day, Jonny Clayton made it through after a dominant 16-7 victory against fan-favourite, Stephen Bunting.
Then came yesterday when Littler reached the semi-finals after a close contest with Andrew Gilding, winning 16-14, before Josh Rock booked the last spot in the final four after defeating Gerwyn Price 16-11.
‘The Nuke’ is set to be the favourite, despite his last two matches being very close against players who are not in the top 16 of the tournament.
His battle with the Northern Irishman will be interesting after Rock knocked out Price and Michael van Gerwen.
Both Wade and Clayton have reached the final of the World Matchplay before with the Aldershot-born darts player only being successful once in six of his finals in the tournament.
The Welshman was a finalist in the 2023 World Matchplay, suffering an 18-6 loss against Nathan Aspinall.
The Winter Gardens has witnessed some surprises and incredible finishes throughout the tournament.
But, only two men can place themselves under the spotlight for a thrilling final and have the chance to lift one of the PDC’s most prestigious trophies.
The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈 
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