Luke Littler is through to the semi-finals of the Betfred World Matchplay after holding off Andrew Gilding to claim a narrow 16-14 victory at the Winter Gardens.

The World Champion never trailed but had to fire a 103.91 average and 18 maximums to pull clear of Gilding, who exits the tournament at the quarter-final stage for the second successive year.

Littler edged the opening three sessions and briefly opened a five-leg advantage, only for Gilding to find a 72 checkout on the bullseye and take out a 160 finish as part of a run of three straight legs.

The world No 2 set a new record for most 180s in a World Matchplay quarter-final on his way to holding throw in the next, then responded to Gilding firing 81 and 127 finishes by taking out tops in the 30th leg to complete a dramatic victory.

Littler next faces either Josh Rock or Gerwyn Price, who play later on Friday night, while Jonny Clayton and James Wade complete Saturday semi-final line-up.

More to follow…

Who will win the World Matchplay? Watch throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the semi-finals live on Saturday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+. Not got Sky? Stream without a contract.