32 players came to Blackpool seeking the World Matchplay of Darts title, but only four players remain.
The games have gotten longer as the tournament has progressed.
Players are being tested to their limit in longer-formatted games.
The four players left are the cream of the crop, so we should be in for some close, entertaining games.
2025 World Matchplay of Darts semifinals predictions
Here are my predictions for the semifinals.
MORE: 2025 World Matchplay of Darts: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained
Jonny Clayton vs. James Wade
Winner: James Wade, 17-14
The top half of the bracket set up a semifinal match with two PDC veterans.
Both Clayton and Wade have been playing darts for quite a while, especially in comparison to the young careers of Luke Littler and Josh Rock.
They both have won major titles before, but Clayton is still looking for redemption in Blackpool, after being the runner-up a couple of years ago.
When Clayton made the final in 2023, he was dealing with a family issue that prevented him from having his full focus on the game.
Now, this is mentioned not as an excuse, but as a reason why Clayton might be more hungry to win this tournament after being so close last time.
Wade, on the other hand, has won the World Matchplay before, but in the last week, has not been pleased with the lack of respect he's gotten through coverage and by the media.
He believes he's one of the GOATs, and I think he will make a huge statement with a win over Jonny Clayton on Saturday, which would advance him to his seventh career World Matchplay final
Both players have been phenomenal all tournament long, and the sky is the limit for them, so I think it will be another close game on the Blackpool stage, but with Wade prevailing.
MORE: Watch: Luke Littler sets new 180 record for a World Matchplay quarterfinal game
Luke Littler vs. Josh Rock
Winner: Josh Rock, 20-18
This tournament has been a prime example of why you can't always ride with the higher seeds or favorites.
Luke Littler has been awesome and has played some great darts in the last week, but Josh Rock has been inching closer to a major title for quite some time, so I believe it's his time to have a statement win of his own.
Rock was the Littler of his time when he first entered the PDC, and Littler has sort of overshadowed the development of a player like Rock, setting a brand new standard for younger players over the last 18 months.
Rock has shown he's capable of playing in the big moments and can compete with the best.
He's already knocked out Ross Smith, Michael van Gerwen and Gerywn Price through three games at Blackpool.
Luke Littler will be the next big name to be the victim of a Rock victory.
As you'd probably expect, Littler will hang around for most of this match.
In fact, Littler might have a sizeable lead at points, and Rock will have to compose himself in a situation where all the pressure is on him to respond.
It won't be easy, but between the averages/scoring we have seen out of him and the wins he's put together over top-tier players, there's no reason to count out Rock in this match.
Littler has faced his fair share of pressure from opponents this tournament.
Jermaine Wattimena and Andrew Gilding were already on the verge of eliminating him, so Rock will be an even tougher test for the reigning world champion.
MORE DARTS ARTICLES:
- 2025 World Matchplay of Darts Day 7 final results, scores, schedule and bracket: Josh Rock sets up semifinal clash with Luke Littler, wins on 164 checkout
- Watch: James Wade one step closer to first World Matchplay final in a decade, after win over Gian van Veen
- Watch: Johnny Clayton eliminates Stephen Bunting in 2025 World Matchplay of Darts quarterfinal
- Watch: Luke Littler wins despite five leg deficit, beats Wattimena at 2025 World Matchplay of Darts